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Smart ways to travel efficiently, no matter where you’re going

By Harry Guinness

Posted on Nov 10, 2021 10:04 AM EST

7 minute read

The New York City Subway map is a lie . Sure, it’s got all the subway lines and station names on it, but geographically, it’s flat out wrong. 

Manhattan is about six times as long (13.4 miles) as it is wide (2.3 miles)—it takes most of a day to walk north to south but less than an hour to walk east to west. But this isn’t clear on the subway map. There, it looks like Manhattan is only three times as wide as it is long (and much bigger than it really is relative to the rest of the city). A casual jaunt across a few avenues looks like it takes way longer than it actually does. 

The subway map is like this for a very good reason: a geographically accurate map would be a nightmare to read. By making Manhattan larger (and Staten Island much smaller) the map can clearly show the important relationships between the subway lines—but not true distance or how long connections will take. 

The NYC Subway map isn’t the only one that lies: London’s, Paris’s, and Boston’s maps are all lies too . I know Dublin’s is as well, and I’m sure many other transit maps are too. And while the lies they tell are useful, they can lead you astray if you’re looking for the best way to get somewhere. What looks like it should take a few minutes on the subway can be a 30-second walk. It’s easy to waste time stuck on public transport—especially if you’re new to a city.

And that’s at the small scale. It’s just as hard, if not harder, to work out the best route between far-flung destinations, like, say, Asunción, Paraguay, and Lombok, Indonesia. There’s no direct route, so how do you know which airline will make the trip? Or how about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Bamako, Mali? The answer is out there. 

Travel tips for short journeys

Short journeys are by far the hardest to optimize. Saving 10 minutes on a cross-country road trip doesn’t matter that much, but it’s a big deal if you’ve normally got a 30 minute commute. 

Think about how you want to travel

Best doesn’t always mean fastest. Sometimes it means most enjoyable (or in the case of commuting, least awful). For example, I’ll normally take a 30 minute walk over a 25 minute bus ride. Especially if you’re traveling, the hassle of learning how a new transit system works is often not worth it for short journeys—walk and you’ll see a different side of the city without having to deal with the maze that is many subway stations. 

If you’ve got a preference for a certain mode of transport, it’s often worth traveling that way for short distances, even if it ends up taking you a little longer. As long as you’re not in a rush, the mental health payoff is huge. 

Consider the city

Some cities, like NYC, are quite walkable. Others, like Los Angeles, simply aren’t. In Amsterdam, the best way to get about is by bike—whether you use the city’s docked bikes or rent one from your hotel. In large amounts of Southeast Asia, you’ll need to rent a scooter if you really want to explore. What works in one city might not work in another, so don’t get too committed to one mode of transit.

[Related: The pandemic has cities rethinking public transit ]

And, while transit maps distort the truth, it’s worth looking at how the one relevant to your current city distorts it. If you’re on the outskirts, it may make long distances look walkable when they really aren’t. Similarly, the underground might be the most obvious route but the bus could be faster.

Try all the available options

If you’re not sure about the best mode of transport for you, experience them all. See what catching the subway is like, try cycling, or ride the bus. It’s often hard to predict what will end up being the most convenient, especially when there are a few competing options. LA has a low-cost public transit network, but ride-sharing is much less hassle for a reasonable price. Though the best thing I found for getting around West Hollywood were the dockless scooters. I wouldn’t have known about those unless I’d explored all my choices—or, rather, tripped over one on the street outside my friend’s house. 

Don’t rely on map apps

Apps like Google Maps are really useful, but don’t rely on them as the final answer for how to get from place to place. They don’t take into account the hassle of packed subways, queues for escalators, and the heat of a train in summer. They can also lag a bit behind the real traffic time, so don’t just assume something is a 30-minute drive because Google says so—by the time you’ve driven halfway, you might still have another 30 minutes to go according to Google. I’ve been caught out by this on more than 11 occasions.

Travel tips for long, easy journeys

The easiest journeys to plan are the long ones between commonly linked cities. The best route between NYC and Dublin is simple: it’s the direct flight on the carrier you’re most loyal to. Delta, United, Aer Lingus, and more airlines serve the route, all the flights are the same length, they cost about the same, and they leave at roughly the same time each day. 

Similarly, if you’re driving from Atlanta to New Orleans, you really just have to hop on the interstate—and stay there. Any detours you take are just going to slow you down. 

With that said, however, there are still a few things you’ll need to consider.

Trains vs. planes 

For long distances, or when you’re crossing oceans, the only real option is to fly. Driving from Miami to San Diego might be more fun than flying, but it’s definitely not better by most definitions. 

But for shorter distances, things get more interesting. If two cities are separated by only a couple hundred miles, the train can be the best option. Take the roughly 240-mile trip from NYC to Washington, D.C. The New York Times found that the train took 3.5 hours and cost $106 (or three hours and $183 on the Acela Express), while flying (once you factored in transport to and from the airport and waiting inside the terminal) took four hours and 15 minutes, costing about $250 dollars. A clear win for the train.

[Related: All the ways we could make trains safer and smarter ]

I’ve generally found that for distances less than about 300 miles, the train is as fast or faster than flying. After that, it becomes a tradeoff. If the train is significantly cheaper, it might be worth the extra time it takes to save some money and avoid baggage fees. Trains are generally a pleasant place to spend time anyway. But if the train is more expensive, flying makes more sense. 

Of course, if you’re concerned about your environmental impact , always take the train . 

When to drive

The best time to take your car is when you need it. Driving is almost always going to be more time- and mental energy-consuming than traveling by air or rail. If you need the cargo capacity or flexibility once you get to your destination, though, go with it. 

The other time to drive is when it’s the only good option. Sometimes flights are so comically expensive or the route so roundabout that it just doesn’t make sense to do anything but drive.

Look at the overall cost

Cost is obviously a big factor when you’re traveling long-distance, but it’s important to factor in all the costs, not just tickets. I’ve booked flights with longer (or more) layovers to save $50 and then ended up spending $100 on food, drink, and other bits while sitting around waiting for my connections. If I’d just flown direct, I’d have saved $50 by paying $50.

It’s the same with red-eyes and overnight train trips. You save money on a hotel room, so make sure you consider that when you’re pricing things out. As a general rule, the more time you spend traveling, the more money you spend while you travel. That means shorter, slightly more expensive options can actually be cheaper than slightly less costly, much longer options.

Travel tips for big, awkward trips

So what’s the best way to get from Asunción to Lombok? It’s definitely flying, but with which airline and through what airports? 

This is the kind of route that regular flight comparison websites like Kayak and Skyscanner struggle with. While they can quote you prices for specific dates, unusual routes like these can often be significantly better on certain days of the week, or much simpler if you get a bus or train to a different city in the same region. This is where one of my favorite tools comes in: Rome2Rio .

Rome2Rio is a travel comparison website designed for weird journeys. Whatever two points you’re trying to get between, it can string together a combination of planes, trains, and automobiles (and the occasional ferry) to make it happen. The best thing is you don’t have to search by specific dates—instead, it tells you what days different options are possible. For that hypothetical trip between Paraguay and Indonesia, the best day to go is a Monday or Wednesday—then it’s merely a 33-hour trip. Any other day of the week and it could take more than 65 hours. 

Go with what feels good

Travel, whether you’re going 2 miles or 2,000 miles, can always find a way to undermine your carefully laid plans. Traffic jams, plane cancellations, and virus-induced shutdowns can all make a mess of your carefully optimized route. So, whatever you do, be prepared to mix it up and do something new if things change. Don’t just sit in a taxi in a traffic jam when you could walk the last 400 feet.

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Use Google Maps? Here’s How to See the Fastest Possible Route

The idea behind Google Maps’s new eco-friendly routing feature is a good one, but it means that the navigation app might not be sending you on the fastest route possible.

By Tucker Bowe

Earlier this year, Google announced a bunch of new features that would be rolling out to Google Maps . Some of those features — like crowd information for public transit (so you can see if a certain train/bus/subway is going to be jammed or not) and the ability to see the weather and air quality of your destination before you get there — arrived months ago. But some of them, like the new eco-friendly routing, just recently rolled out. And the latter is kind of a big deal for everybody who uses Google Maps as their go-to navigation app.

The idea behind the new eco-friendly routing feature is a good one as it has sustainability in mind and it’s part of Google’s new initiative to fight climate change. Here’s how to works:

When you type in a navigation route, Google Maps will select the route with the lowest amount of carbon emissions, so long as it doesn’t affect the ETA of your journey too much. According to Google , this eco-friendly routing “has the potential to prevent over one million tons of carbon emissions per year — that’s the equivalent of removing over 200,000 cars from the road.”

The problem is that eco-friendly routing is turned on by default — meaning there’s a good chance that Google Maps isn’t navigating you on the fastest possible route. And that’s a problem for people who value speed (and time) over everything else. Fortunately, you can easily turn off eco-friendly routing. Here’s how:

How to turn off eco-friendly routing in Google Maps

• Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone.
• Select your profile (image) in the top-right corner.
• Select Settings in the drop-down menu.
• Select Navigation.
• Scroll down and toggle off where it says “Prefer fuel-efficient routes.”

Related Topics

The 7 Best Map Apps for Getting Directions Somewhere

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When traveling between places, wouldn't it be better to see all your transportation options before deciding which one to take?

Whether you want to walk, catch a bus, or even order an Uber, these apps will show you every option available for getting where you need to go.

Available in 3,200 cities worldwide, Moovit boasts itself as the number one urban mobility app.

With a single tap, the Trip Planner shows you every local mobility option available, including bus, train, metro, light rail, ferry, bike routes, walking options, and ride-hail options.

Live Directions will guide you from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible with step-by-step real-time directions.

On your journey, real-time alerts will keep you informed about traffic and public transport disruptions, allowing you to choose an alternative route if necessary.

Exercise junkies will love the bike routes and bike docking station locations provided, as well as the routes which combine public transportation and bike routes.

Related: The Best Speedometer Apps for Android and iOS

In the event that your smartphone goes offline, you can download PDF map routes for safekeeping as well.

Download: Moovit for iOS | Android (Free)

With TripGo, you can compare and combine any mode of transport that exists.

If you have a busy schedule, you can integrate and sync your calendar with TripGo and it will take care of all your trip planning for you.

Setting up real-time alerts will ensure you leave and arrive on time every time.

Environmentally aware planners will definitely appreciate the door-to-door comparison options, which compare the time, cost, and carbon impact associated with every trip.

Related: Best Free Apps to Calculate Your Carbon Footprint and Offset Emissions

Money-conscious users can see how much public transport, taxis, tolls, and car parking will cost for every trip.

Public transport options are especially useful because not only do you get public transport timetables, but you can tap on individual stops to view real-time schedules and see the live location of the vehicle on the map.

Download: TripGo for iOS | Android (Free)

3. Google Maps

Available in over 220 countries, Google Maps combines GPS, navigation, and traffic data into one easy-to-use app.

Google Maps routes all possible modes of transportation, including car, public transport, walking, ride-hail options, bike routes, and even flight paths, for your trip.

With real-time GPS navigation, you will arrive at your destination on time with an accurate ETA and automatic re-routing options based on live traffic data when traffic disruptions occur, such as road closures or accidents.

Live View helps you navigate easily with arrows and directions to make sure you never miss a wrong turn.

Public transportation information is delivered in real-time to keep you on schedule.

There is no need to worry if you lose your internet connection, offline maps let you navigate and search without a connection.

Download: Google Maps for iOS | Android (Free)

4. Citymapper

Citymapper is a journey planner that includes all transport modes, including ride-hail options, public transport, bike routes, walking, and car sharing.

You can opt to receive real-time updates that include departures and disruption alerts for public transportation journeys.

Comparing all your journey options is made easy with an estimated time, cost, and amount of calories you will burn on the trip.

Citymapper has comprehensive route comparison options not included in other apps, including:

• Simple: Shows the fewest transfers
• Speed: Ranks each possible route by speed
• Mixed: Displays the possible routes that mix public and private transport options

Download: Citymapper for iOS | Android (Free)

5. Apple Maps

Apple Maps is Apple's native mapping app, helping users navigate their surroundings with GPS.

Apple Maps makes it easy to find your way around with car, bicycle, walking, public transport, and ride-hail options.

Related: How to Use Apple Maps Online in a Web Browser

Real-time schedules for public transport are provided with step-by-step directions to guide you.

With multiple route suggestions, including ones with and without tolls and varying arrival times, you are never limited to any single route that the app suggests.

You can keep your eyes on the road with voice navigation, which tells you where to turn and what the speed limit is on the road you are driving on.

Download: Apple Maps for iOS (Free)

Transit is a navigation app with bus, train, tram, bike, and ride-hail options.

Got a busy schedule? You can schedule your trip with alarms and set notification reminders beforehand.

Real-time public transport information options are available where you can view the location of the vehicle on the app map and see if it is crowded before you board. You'll also receive a push notification if your trip is going to be delayed due to disruptions.

If you are in an unfamiliar place, you can opt to receive stop announcements so you know where to get off.

Download: Transit for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

7. OsmAnd Maps

OsmAnd Maps combines the best of GPS navigation and offline functionality.

The app uses OpenStreetMap data that can be downloaded to your smartphone for offline use. The maps are updated monthly to ensure they are always up to date.

Planning a trip is easy with a car, public transport, pedestrian, and bicycle routes available.

The map can be customized to show details such as road quality and street lighting locations as well as different map styles you might aesthetically prefer.

Related: Apps to Improve Your Hiking Experience

Hikers and bikers will love the feature that displays the route altitude, so they know how tough their trip will be before they begin. Additionally, terrain details like hillshades and contour lines can also be displayed on the map.

Routes can be customized in many ways. You can choose to avoid certain types of roads (such as tunnels or unpaved roads) or take a route that is fuel-efficient if you drive.

Download: OsmAnd Maps for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

Never Be Late Again

Using these apps, you can select the right mode of transport for your journey by comparing and contrasting options. It is important to know how long it will take using a particular mode of transportation to get to your destination.

Additionally, most of these apps also offer you the convenience of setting departure reminders and notify you of any upcoming delays to ensure you always arrive at your destination on time.

The best ways to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan

Editor's Note

You've just landed in New York City bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready for a long weekend trip. But first, you need to navigate your way from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Manhattan. There are plenty of options for getting from JFK to your hotel, but which is the fastest?

The good news is you have options. The option you choose might depend on whether cost is a factor, the part of the city you're headed to or how much luggage you have. Your journey could be as straightforward as hopping in a cab, or it might involve a rail or subway transfer or two. Either way, getting to your destination doesn't have to be headache-inducing as long as you do a little planning ahead.

Here are the fastest ways to get from JFK to Manhattan and other boroughs.

First, let's talk about New York's subway. Unfortunately, none of New York's subway lines will get you directly from JFK to Manhattan, but with the help of the AirTrain , you can get into the city relatively inexpensively.

Depart from : Take the AirTrain from JFK Terminal 1, 4, 5, 7 or 8 to reach the Jamaica or Howard Beach subway station.

Possible destinations : From JFK, you can take the E train to midtown Manhattan or the A or J and Z trains to Brooklyn or lower Manhattan.

Hours of operation : Both the AirTrain and subway run 24 hours a day.

Transit time : On the AirTrain, it'll take about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your terminal and final stop, to reach one of the two subway stations at JFK. If you're heading to Times Square, jump on the E line from Jamaica Station; the ride will take a little more than an hour. All together, you're looking at an 80- to 90-minute trip.

Estimated cost : You'll need to pay for an AirTrain ticket from the airport to reach the subway station, which is $8.50 one-way (but note that you can ride the AirTrain just around the airport for free). A subway ride is a flat fee of $2.90, and you can use ApplePay directly at the turnstile. (You can also purchase a Metropolitan Transportation Authority card loaded with credit; the card incurs a cost of $1, so remember to hang on to it for the duration of your trip.)

Long Island Rail Road

In addition to taking the subway from the AirTrain, you also have the option of catching the Long Island Rail Road , which is one of the city's commuter rails. This train is a step up from the MTA and incurs a higher cost. However, it runs more efficiently, has more available seating and is an all-around more comfortable ride than the subway.

Depart from : Take the AirTrain to Jamaica station, then transfer to the LIRR.

Possible destinations : From Jamaica station, you can take the LIRR to Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan, including Penn Station.

Hours of operation : It runs 24 hours a day.

Transit time : It's a direct shot from JFK into the city, taking only 35 minutes once you're on the LIRR to get to Penn Station. Including the 15-minute ride on the AirTrain, it takes about 50 minutes total from point A to point B. Depending on your final destination, you can jump on the subway at Penn Station to go the rest of the way for $2.90. Or, you can grab a cab or walk if your accommodation is nearby.

Estimated cost : As with the subway, you'll first need to shell out $8.50 for the AirTrain. An LIRR ticket to Penn Station (the closest stop to Times Square) from JFK costs $5 at off-peak times or $7 at peak times (between 6 and 10 a.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m.).

Taxis are a classic New York City transportation staple.

Depart from : Taxi stands are waiting outside baggage claim at each terminal at JFK.

Possible destinations : You can use a cab to go wherever you'd like.

Hours of operation : Cabs are available 24 hours a day.

Transit time : Each ride will vary depending on traffic, destination and other factors. It is 18 miles from JFK to Times Square, and that ride typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.

Estimated cost : There is a flat fee of $70 for all taxi rides that originate at JFK, with an additional $5 added on weekdays from 4 to 8 p.m. In addition to this, there is a $1.75 airport pickup fee and a 50-cent New York State tax. There's also a New York State congestion surcharge of $2.50 (yellow taxi), $2.75 (green taxi and for-hire-vehicles) or 75 cents (any shared ride) for all trips that begin, end or pass through Manhattan south of 96th Street. That comes to a total of $80 for the most expensive ride before tolls and tip. JFK has a helpful chart to see exactly what it will cost you for other boroughs, too.

Uber or Lyft

A ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft will likely cost more than $80 (plus tip) depending on surge pricing, according to Uber's website . (You can drive that price down by opting for a shared vehicle, but expect it to add significant time to your trip. Not enough people use the pool option yet to make it efficient.)

Depart from : The app will tell you where to go once you've requested a ride and your driver is confirmed. Typically, pickup spots will be as follows:

• For Terminal 1, 4, or 8, head outside after baggage claim and follow signs for "Ride App Pick Up."
• For Terminal 5, head to the AirTrain via the Skywalk on Level 4. Take the AirTrain to Terminal 7, then follow the signs for ride app pick up to the Orange Lot.

Possible destinations : You'll enjoy direct service to wherever you like, which can be a benefit if you're traveling with luggage and tired kids.

Hours of operation : You can get a ride at any time of day or night.

Transit time : The travel time will vary depending on traffic, destination and other factors. (Pay attention to rush hour and commuting times.) As a rough guide, it typically takes around 45 minutes to one hour to travel the 18 miles from the airport to Times Square by car, but if you arrive in the morning hours during the week when commuter traffic is at its worst, you could be looking at a ride between one and two hours long. That said, if you have the time and the money, jumping in a car is one of the easier options if you have large luggage and are tired after a long trip — especially if you have a travel companion(s) to split the bill with.

Estimated cost : The cost of an Uber depends on traffic and congestion pricing. According to Uber, you can expect a car from the airport to Penn Station to cost around $75 before tip.

If money is no object, Blade is one of the quickest ways to get from JFK to Manhattan. It also doubles as a free sightseeing activity.

Depart from : Get picked up by a Blade vehicle curbside at JFK's Arrivals Terminal to reach the helicopter departure point.

Possible destinations : The two options include West 30th Street on the Hudson River in Midtown West and East 34th Street on the East River in Midtown East.

Hours of operation : Service to West 30th Street is available Monday to Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. Service to East 34th Street and JFK is available on weekdays from 2:45 to 6 p.m.

Transit time : Wave to everyone stuck on the subway or in traffic below as you fly from the airport to the city in five minutes.

Estimated cost : The price of a Blade ride doesn't fluctuate, unlike the price for a taxi or car trip via ride-hailing services. It will cost you $195 per person one-way (a price that's remained the same for several years).

Savvy Travel Advice

11 Ways to Get from London to Paris (& Vice Versa)

Last updated: December 18, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 44 Comments

London and Paris are two of the most iconic cities in Europe, rich in history, culture, and attractions. Many visitors to Europe want to visit both capital cities and need to figure out how to travel from London to Paris.

Did you realize that these two capital cities are only 214 miles (344 km) apart? And thanks to the creation of the Channel Tunnel (the Chunnel) it’s incredibly easy to get back and forth between them.

It is easy to combine visits to London and Paris into the same trip, due to their proximity. If you would like to plan a visit to both cities, you might be wondering what is the best way to get from London, England to Paris France?

To help answer that question, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to get from London to Paris (or from Paris to London). We’re going to list all the options you have for getting from London to Paris, as well as give you an idea how long each option takes, the cost associated with each method, the main companies and ways to book each route, and cost-saving tips.

We also provide advice on how to choose a method based on your budget, time, and travel style, and we also share our own preferred way to travel from London to Paris.

Table of Contents:

How to Get From London to Paris

Here are 11 different ways to get from London to Paris or Paris to London. We cover all the most popular ways such as taking the Eurostar train, flying, driving, taking a coach, guided day tours, and taking the ferry. We also cover less conventional ways such as walking, biking, and even swimming, as well as lesser-known options such as ride-sharing and private transfers.

It is important to remember that no matter how you plan to travel from London to Paris that you are crossing an international border and transitioning from the UK to the Schengen Area. You will have to go through border security and customs, so you need to make sure you have all the necessary travel documents before your trip to enter and leave each country.

Here are 11 ways to get from London to Paris in no particular order:

1. Eurostar Train

This is perhaps the easiest way to get from London to Paris and is usually our recommended way to travel between the two cities. The Eurostar is fast and efficient, and direct from the heart of London to the heart of Paris. All you have to do is get on the train on time and then you can relax the rest of the journey.

Although I think it is now taken for granted, taking a train directly between London and Paris is the newest way to get between these two European capitals. Before the Channel Tunnel, or Chunnel as it is often called, was opened in 1994, the only way to cross the English Channel was by boat or plane.

The Channel Tunnel is an amazing feat of engineering and it has the longest underwater section of any tunnel in the world!

Which train companies operate between London and Paris?

Only one passenger train company is able to use the Chunnel, and that is the Eurostar train. The high-speed train goes directly from London St. Pancras Station to Paris Gare du Nord. They run a number of trains each day between the two cities.

The Eurostar also offer direct trains from London to other places, including Disneyland Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

Note that the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train operated by Belmond travels between London and Paris and used to allow you to book a trip from London to Paris and vice versa. It was an approximately 11-hour luxury train journey that included a ride on the British Pullman from London to Folkestone, a luxury coach ride across the Eurotunnel, and then the Venice Simplon Orient Express train from Calais to Paris. However, when I checked in 2020, they were no longer offering this route, and we are not sure it will return in future years.

How much does the train cost from London to Paris?

A one-way Eurostar ticket can cost anywhere from starting at about €44 for a standard ticket to up to €375 for a business premier ticket.

There are no set costs for the Eurostar train tickets, and like airline tickets the price fluctuates based on how long until the travel date and how many tickets have been sold. There are currently three classes of tickets you can buy.

The three types of tickets are Standard Class, Standard Premier, and Business Premier. Your ticket type determines your access to food services, how spacious your seat is, lounge access, how many pieces of luggage you can bring aboard, and whether you will be charged change or cancellation fees if you need to change your ticket.

Currently, all classes offer comfortable seats, access to food and drinks (food is included with the Premier tickets), and up to 2 pieces of luggage per person (Business Premier allows for up to 3). For the most up to date information about the classes and what is included with your ticket, you can check that out here .

To save money, we recommend booking well in advance to get the best rates. Although you can sometimes get a good deal at less busy times of the year at the last minute, you could pay up to 10X the standard fare at busy times of the year if you book at the last minute.

Also if you have flexibility on your dates, the best availability and fares are often on midweek trains.

Can I use a Rail Pass to travel from London to Paris?

Yes, your Eurail Global Pass (European rail pass for non-Europe residents) or Interrail Global Pass (European rail pass for residents of Europe)   can be used on the Eurostar. To travel with Eurostar using your pass you need to book your seat in advance and pay a seat reservation fee. You’ll be traveling in either Standard or Standard Premier, depending on the class of your rail pass.

Eurail and Interrail users only pay a fixed reservation fee, instead of the full price. At last check, the reservation fee was €30 for Standard class (available for 1st and 2nd class pass holders) and €38 for Standard Premier (available for 1st class pass holders only).

A reservation is mandatory and can be made up to 12 weeks in advance. Once you have your pass, you can do this on the Eurail website , in person at the Eurostar terminal, or by calling +44 (0) 1233 617 575.

Remember that your Eurail pass isn’t valid on other transport in the UK, so you should probably do this leg at the beginning or end of your pass’ validity.

How long does the train take from London to Paris?

The train from London to Paris takes an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes station to station, although in perfect conditions it could be as short as 2 hours and 16 minutes.

Passport checks are done at St. Pancras station before leaving for Paris, so you will want to get to the Eurostar terminal at least 45 minutes before your train.

Note that events such as worker strikes, protests, and adverse weather can affect the running of the train. You can check for Eurostar service updates and delays online here .

Where to buy train tickets?

You can buy Eurostar tickets directly from the company’s website , as well as from a variety of other online train ticket websites such as Trainline . Normally prices are the same across websites when we’ve checked.

You can also purchase tickets in-person at the ticket office in the Eurostar terminal at St. Pancras or Gare du Nord. However, if you are attempting to buy same-day tickets, this could be very expensive.

You can usually book Eurostar tickets from London to Paris up to 180 days in advance of your travel date.

Flying is another popular way to get between London and Paris because it is very quick flight and flights between the two cities are often inexpensive.

Remember though that between getting to and from the London and Paris airports, going through security and boarding procedures, it may be more time-efficient to simply take the train. But it is another good option to consider.

Which airlines fly between London and Paris?

Several airlines offer nonstop flights between London and Paris. At last check these include EasyJet, CityJet, Vueling, British Airways, and Air France.

Many more airlines offer flights that include layovers, including KLM, Swiss Air, Lufthansa, and Austrian Air. Although if time is a factor, these flights are going to take much longer than taking the train.

How much does it cost to fly from London to Paris?

The cost can fluctuate quite a lot depending on the time of year, availability, and proximity to travel.

You can often get a flight between London and Paris for under €100, sometimes much lower if you find a good sale with one of the budget airlines. We’ve seen them as low as €29 on sale. Just be sure to factor in any baggage fees when comparing prices.

If you have a large budget and want to avoid standing in long security lines, you can also charter a private plane from London to Paris. Private hire costs start around 5,000 euros for a light jet. You can check prices here .

How long does it take to fly from London to Paris?

Depending on the airline and airplane, it takes between 1 hour and 5 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes to fly directly from London to Paris or vice versa.

Make sure to confirm which airport your flights depart and arrive at. London has 6 major airports and all are in different directions from London, with different transportation options. You can see our London airport transport guide for more information on the best ways of getting to and from each one.

In Paris, flights to and from London land in one of its three major airports, Charles de Gaulle, Orly, or Paris Beauvais.

Also be sure to factor in the time to get to and from the airports. It can take up to an hour to get to London Heathrow from downtown London for example, and 45 minutes to get from Charles de Gaulle to the center of Paris.

Where to book flight tickets?

You can buy tickets from your preferred booking engine or directly from the airline. To compare flight ticket prices across airlines, we like to use Priceline , and Kiwi   to search for the cheapest, most convenient options.

3. Car / Driving 

Driving from London to Paris is another popular way to get between the two cities. It gives you a certain amount of flexibility, plus the comfort of staying in your own car the entire journey. You don’t need to worry about luggage restrictions or paying fees per person, and the timetable is more flexible than traveling by train or plane.

You have two options when traveling by car on how to cross the English Channel, you can take the Eurotunnel or you can take a ferry. The Eurotunnel is the fastest option and the one we’ll talk about most in this section. See the Ferry section later in the article if you prefer to cross by ferry.

You can transport pretty much any vehicle, including a car, truck, motorcycle, trailer, or campervan by the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. Those on motorbikes get reduced fares compared to car drivers and those with larger vehicles pay a bit more.

It is also the easiest way to travel with pets between the UK and France. However, you must have all the proper documentation, microchipping, and vaccinations for each pet to be allowed entry. You can see the pet requirements here .

It’s important to note that France and the UK have different driving regulations that must be followed. In addition to knowing the differences in traffic laws (e.g., people in the UK drive on the left and people in the France drive on the right), there are also different things you need to do to prepare to bring a foreign car across the border.

For example, all those driving UK cars in the EU are required to have a valid driver’s license, passport, vehicle registration certificate (V5 document), proof of motor vehicle insurance, UK sticker on their car (GB sticker no longer valid), have reflective safety vests in the car, and put stickers over their headlights so as not to “dazzle” oncoming traffic. You can view the full requirements here.

Additionally, France requires all vehicles visiting Paris (and a few other cities) to have a Air Quality Emissions Certificate , which can be purchased online.

For those wanting to bring a car into the UK from France, the main requirements are passport, registration, and proof of motor insurance valid in the UK. You can also check out these tips for driving in the UK .

Although driving is an easy option, it still requires preparation as you must have a number of documents and car supplies to take a car from the UK to mainland Europe, and these requirements do change fairly regularly. We recommend checking the most recent border crossing and driving requirements at least a month before your trip so you can obtain any necessary documentation or supplies.

If you have traveled between the UK and France prior to Brexit, note that some requirements have changed and you should be sure to check all changes to ensure you have done everything you need before your trip. You can check this page for post-Brexit travel changes.

Can I drive across the Channel Tunnel?

No, nobody actually drives through the tunnel. Instead, you drive up into a special container shuttle and then sit in your car while a special vehicle called the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle carries you and your car through the tunnel.

These transport shuttles can carry all types of vehicles including cars, motorcycles, passenger vans, motorhomes, tours buses, and semi-trailer trucks (lorries).

Note: Vehicles that use flammable gas (e.g., LPG, BiFuel, Autogas, Hydrogen, CNG or CGH2 ) cannot be transported by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle because of safety reasons. This includes vehicles where the gas is only being used as a secondary or back up fuel source. Similarly, any flammable gas containers (e.g. for use in a campervan) and their size is regulated and these must be declared for inspection.

Taking a Car on Channel Tunnel versus Ferry?

Both the Eurotunnel and the ferry will take you from Folkestone/Dover to Calais (or vice versa). Taking the Channel Tunnel is much quicker and more direct than taking the ferry. It takes only 35 minutes to cross the channel via the Eurotunnel, as opposed to 90 minutes by ferry.

However, the ferry tickets can often be less expensive so good to price compare if you are on a tighter budget. Also, there are multiple ferry routes between the UK and France so you have more options in terms of where you depart and arrive.

How long does it take to drive from London to Paris?

It takes about 6 hours to drive and take the Channel Tunnel from London to Paris, excluding potential traffic and delays. The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle leaves regularly, with up to 4 shuttles per hour at busier times of the day/year.

However, note that 6 hours is about the shortest drive time under optimal driving conditions and so it can take much longer if there is bad traffic, construction, or Eurotunnel delays. We recommend allowing a couple of extra hours in your schedule so that you handle potential delays.

Before your journey, we recommend checking Traffic England for relevant UK road conditions and delays and this website for France’s highways. You can monitor the route using a service like Google Maps or a GPS unit to keep abreast of potential delays. You can monitor Eurotunnel service and potential delays here .

Fastest driving route from London to Paris?

There is really only one driving route from London to Paris, which is through the Channel Tunnel. If you take the most direct route it is about a 258 mile (415 km) drive from London to Paris plus about 34 miles (54 km) for the Eurotunnel crossing.

The fastest route is to drive from London to Folkestone along the A1. You then check-in and go through border security, board the Channel Tunnel transport, and then the journey across the Channel should take about 35 minutes. Once you arrive in Coquelles (near Calais), you’ll leave the shuttle, go through border security, and then head to Paris via the A26 and A1.

Cost of driving from London to Paris?

Prices for the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle vary based on the size of your vehicle, whether you have any trailers or attachments, and the kind of ticket you buy. One way fares start around £79, but round trip fares can be as low as £29 each way. You can check prices here .

Don’t forget to also factor in the cost of fuel which can vary widely depending on your vehicle and current fuel prices. If you are driving an electric car or hybrid car, there are electric charging stations that you can use at both Eurotunnel Le Shuttle terminals in the UK and in France.

If you are renting a car, you will also need to take into account your rental car fees and any additional charges (e.g., cross border surcharge). If you are considering renting a car, keep reading.

Should I hire a car to drive from the UK to France?

Generally, we don’t recommend renting a car and driving it from the UK to France (or vice versa). If you own your own car or campervan and live in the UK or Europe, then it may make good sense to take your car across the Channel via Channel Tunnel or by ferry. You’ll save money and be able to drive in your own vehicle.

However, we find this is often more problematic for those with a rental car. First, several rental car agencies don’t allow rented or leased cars to be taken across the border, aboard ferries, and/or on one-way trips. Some do of course, but it limits your options.

Second, it requires you to learn the driving rules and regulations and have the proper documentation for both countries. Finally, it will mean that in at least one country you will be driving a car designed for driving on the wrong side of the road with the steering column and wheel on the opposite side.

Our advice would be to rent a car only where you need it and to rent the car in the country you plan to drive it. So if you need a car both in the UK and France, you can rent a car in the UK and then return it before you go to France. Then in France, you can rent a different car there for your time in France.

There is no reason you need a car to get from London to Paris. In fact, since you can’t actually drive across the Channel, you can’t use a car for the full journey anyway. And certainly, you don’t need a car in either London or Paris as both cities are not desirable places to get around by car. Public transportation is efficient and easy to use in both cities.

What do I need to take a rental car across the Channel?

For those renting, borrowing, or leasing a UK registered car, you still need to ensure your car meets all the standards and that you have all the necessary documentation and equipment. As noted earlier, these include a valid driver’s license, passport, insurance card, GB sticker, safety vests, and stickers on headlights. Those planning to drive to Paris, also need to have an Air Quality Emissions Certificate. You can view the full requirements here.

You will also need to ensure that you have permission to take the car aboard across the Chunnel (some rental car agencies do not allow this) and have a VE103 certificate .

Where to rent a car in London ?

There are lots of car rental agencies based in London. Most of them center around one of the airports but there are some downtown locations too. You can find all the major international car rental brands in London.

Note that some rental car agencies do not allow cars to be taken out of the country, which means you would not be able to take them across the border by ferry or by Eurotunnel to France. Car rental agencies that do normally allow border crossing from the UK to France include Avis , Budget , Europcar, and Hertz . But you will want to double-check when making your booking and check your rental contract.

If you plan to take the car to France (and elsewhere in Europe), an extra fee may apply. You’ll want to be sure to let the agent know when you pick it up to ensure you have the proper insurance, stickers, and documentation (e.g., VE103 certificate ).

In terms of renting a car in the UK, you also normally need to have held a valid driving license for at least a year (some require up to 3 years) and the driver’s license must be in English or use the Latin alphabet. If not, you’ll need to obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country before your trip.

The minimum age to rent a car in the UK is 21, but some companies will charge an additional fee for drivers under 25. Note that there also may be further restrictions on those under 25 such as no access to premium level cars and no taking the car across any borders. You usually need a valid credit card to complete the rental transaction, but some places will accept a debit card.

Automatic transmissions are usually available but many car rentals have manual transmissions (“stick shifts”). Make sure you are comfortable using a car with the steering wheel on the right, which will mean shifting with your left hand.

Where to rent a car in Paris ?

There are lots of car rental agencies based in Paris. Most of them center around the airports but there are some downtown locations too. You can find all the international car rental brands like Avis , Budget , Europcar and Hertz here.

If you are planning to drive to the UK from France, as discussed above, you want to make sure you choose a rental car agency that allows for cross-border crossings.

The rental car agency requirements in France are similar to those noted above for the UK. The minimum age to rent a car in France is also 21, with some companies charging extra fees for drivers under 25. Again, automatic transmissions are available but many car rentals have manual transmissions (e.g. “stick shifts”).

4. Bus / Coach

Taking a bus from London to Paris is usually the least expensive transport option. While not as fast as a train or flying, it is an easy way to get between the two cities.

Which coach companies operate between London and Paris?

The most popular companies that service this route are Flixbus and BlaBlaBus .  

Flixbus is the largest bus network in Europe. their buses have large comfortable seats, bathrooms, wi-fi and power outlets. They pride themselves on being timely and energy-efficient. They run about a dozen buses a day from London to Paris, at intervals, although only about half of them are direct (the rest involve a transfer in Lille). They also own the Eurolines buses that run this route. The trip usually takes 7 to 9 hours.

BlaBlaBus (formerly Ouibus) is a French bus company that covers ten countries in Europe, and 300 destinations. They have an app that allows you to use e-tickets instead of printed ones. They offer about half a dozen buses a day, some go to the city center and others straight to the airport. The trip takes 7 to 10 hours.

Most buses from London to Paris leave from the Victoria Coach Station in London (164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP) and then end at the Bercy Seine Bus Station (210 Quai de Bercy, 75012 Paris). But you can also get buses from London to the Paris airports, Disneyland Paris, and a couple of other places as well.

You can check schedules and purchase tickets directly from the bus companies above, or you can compare across all buses doing this route by using an aggregator site like trainline or Omio .

Can coaches cross the Channel Tunnel?

Yes, buses and coaches use the same EuroTunnel shuttle service as cars do. So the buses do not actually drive across the Euro Tunnel, instead, they drive into a transport vehicle and are shuttled across.

How much does the bus cost from London to Paris?

Bus tickets prices from London to Paris can fluctuate a little but typically cost between £12 to £40 per person. Taking a coach is usually the cheapest way to get from London to Paris.

How long does the bus take from London to Paris?

The bus can take between 7 to 10 hours based on traffic and the number of stops. This makes it a bit longer than driving yourself.

How to book a bus ticket?

You can book your bus ticket directly on the bus company’s website, such as Flixbus , or you can try an aggregator like Omio or trainline to find the best rate.

Taking a ferry across the channel is a unique, slower, and scenic way of getting from London to Paris. If you want the best view of the White Cliffs of Dover and the Cap Blanc-Nez (similar white cliffs of Calais), the ferry is our recommended option.

The ferries take foot passengers, cyclists, and vehicles. They are the most popular way for cyclists to cross between the UK and France.

The ferry is also a popular option for pet owners as most ferries allow pets to be brought aboard for those traveling with a vehicle. Pets must stay within the pet owners’ vehicle during the crossing, but there are pet exercise areas at each of the ports. If you want to travel with a pet, be sure to check the pet guidelines for your crossing in advance as they must have the proper documents and vaccinations.

There are three main ferry routes from England to France or vice versa. For the goal of getting from London to Paris, the quickest and most popular option is to get the ferry from Dover to Calais. We’ll focus on this route, but we’ll also talk about your other ferry options, including an overnight ferry option.

What are the ferry routes between the UK and France?

There are about a dozen possible routes you can take between the UK and France. Here are the main ferry routes between the UK and France:

• Dover to Calais
• Dover to Dunkirk
• Newhaven to Dieppe
• Portsmouth to Le Havre
• Portsmouth to Caen
• Portsmouth to Cherbourg
• Portsmouth to St. Malo
• Poole to Cherbourg
• Plymouth to Roscoff

For those planning a trip from London to Paris, we recommend the Dover to Calais as the fastest and most efficient route for most people. The Newhaven to Dieppe route is popular for cyclists and long-distance walkers. The Portsmouth routes by Brittany Ferries are a good option if you are looking for an overnight sleeper ferry.

How to get to the ferry from London?

You have the option to drive, take the train, or get a bus to reach the ferry ports. So this is going to depend on which ferry port you need to reach.

For all the ferries, it is recommended that you plan to arrive 60 minutes before your ferry is scheduled to leave in order to give you plenty of time to check-in and go through security and customs checks.

We’ll cover three of the ferry routes in detail below:

Getting to Dover Ferry Port from London

You can take a coach, high-speed train, regular train, or drive to get from London to the Dover ferry port.

If you are driving, the drive is about 80 miles (128 km) and takes about 2 hours. Traffic, especially leaving London, can really affect the drive time.

The fastest option to get from London to Dover is to take the high-speed train. The least expensive way is to take a coach from London.

The high-speed train to Dover leaves from St. Pancras Station in London and takes just over 1 hour. Other trains leave from both Charing Cross and Victoria Station in London and take about 2 hours to reach Dover.

The buses along this route generally take between 2.5 hours and 3 hours. Most coaches leave from London Victoria Coach Station and arrive either at the Dover Ferry Port (recommended), Dover City Centre, or Dover Priory train station. Bus fares generally range between £5 to £12 for a one-way ticket.

To check schedules and compare prices for both trains and buses, you can use the site  trainline or Omio .

From the Dover train station or bus station, it is a short taxi ride (about 5 minute drive), shuttle bus ride, or a long walk (~ 30 minutes) from either station to the passenger ferry terminal. There are regular shuttle buses from outside the train station (fee of £2 per person at last check) that stop at the port. You can check taxi fares and prebook taxis online with minicabit .

Getting to Newhaven Ferry Port from London

The Newhaven ferry port is about 76 miles (122 km) from London and it is about a 2 hour and 15 minute drive. Traffic can really affect the drive time.

If taking the train, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by train. I think all routes require at least one train change to make this journey. From the Newhaven town station, it is about a 3 minute walk to the ferry terminal.

Taking a bus is possible but the direct bus only appears to run on certain days of the week. The bus takes about 3 hours.

To check schedules and compare prices for trains from London to Newhaven, you can use the site trainline or Omio .

Getting to Portsmouth Ferry Port from London

The Portsmouth ferry port is about 75 miles (120 km) from London and it is about a 2 hour or so drive. Traffic can really affect the drive time so be sure to check traffic conditions.

Trains from London to Portsmouth Harbor station take about 1.5 to 2 hours. It is a short taxi ride (~ 8 minutes) or long walk (~ 35 minutes) from the train station to the ferry terminal.

The bus from London to Portsmouth generally takes between 2  to 2.5 hours. Most buses leave from Victoria Coach Station and arrive at Portsmouth The Hard Bus & Coach Station. It is a short taxi ride (~ 8 minutes) or long walk (~ 35 minutes) from the bus station to the ferry terminal. There is a taxi rank outside of the train station or you can check taxi fares and prebook taxis online with minicabit .

How to get from the ferry port to Paris?

It will depend of course on which port you sail to from the UK, but in most cases you have the option to rent a car, take a coach, or take a train to Paris.

The most common ferry port is the Calais Ferry terminal. If you arrive in Calais by ferry, you have the option to rent a car, take a bus to Paris, or take the train. The fastest option, and the one we typically recommend, is to take the TGV high-speed train.

To get to the Calais train station (Gare de Calais Ville), you can either take an hourly bus for €2, take a taxi, or walk to the train station (~ 35 minutes). You can then take a train from Calais to Paris, the direct trains take from about 2 hours to 3 hours depending on route and speed of the train.

The Calais bus station is located next to the train station and direct buses generally take 4 to 4.5 hours to reach Paris. Most buses terminate at the Bercy Seine Bus Station.

To check your options for getting to Paris from any port in France, you can check for train and bus schedules, routes, and book tickets on trainline or Omio .

How long does is the journey by train and ferry from London to Paris?

The entire journey will generally take from about 6 hours to 8 hours, depending on your train times, route, and connections.

The most time efficient way to use the ferry to get from London to Paris is to take a direct high-speed train from London to Dover, take a taxi or the shuttle bus from Dover train station to Dover ferry terminal (check in 60 minutes before departure), make the 90 minute ferry ride, take a taxi from the Calais ferry port to train station, and then take a direct high-speed train from Calais to Paris.

What is the cost of taking the ferry from London to Paris?

Ferry prices are often £30 to £90 per person between London and Calais, and depend on the time of year, time of day, whether you are bringing a vehicle or not, size of your vehicle, and whether you are bringing pets. Prices for other ferry routes between the UK and France often fall within this price range as well.

But you then of course also have to factor in the cost of getting to and from the ferry ports, whether you are driving, taking trains, or going by coach.

If you are going to take the ferry between Dover and Calais and plan to use trains, I’d estimate about £100 to £150 per person for the total journey from London to Paris. Less if you are traveling by coach.

Where to book tickets for ferry?

We recommend booking your ferry tickets directly with the ferry operators. We recommend checking DFDS Seaways . If you prefer to travel from Plymouth, Portsmouth, or Poole, you can also check out Brittany Ferries .

DFDS Seaways – Operate passenger ferry routes from Dover-Dunkirk, Dover-Calais, and Newhaven-Dieppe multiple times a day. Crossing takes between 90 minutes and 4 hours, depending on the route. For their Dover departures, they currently do not allow foot passengers, only those passengers traveling with a vehicle or bicycle. They do allow foot passengers on the Newhaven-Dieppe route.

Brittany Ferries – Brittany Ferries operate ferry routes from Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Poole with most of their UK to France ferries leaving from Portsmouth. Ferries take from 3 hours to 8 hours to get from UK to France, and they also operate overnight ferry journeys. They allow passengers with vehicles as well as those traveling on foot.

If you are driving, we recommend booking in advance. If you are traveling as a foot passenger, you can book ahead of time on their website or you can usually easily buy tickets at the terminal the day of, as they never book up for foot passengers.

What if I want to take an overnight ferry from the UK to France?

Yes, it is possible to take a slow ferry trip across the English Channel between the UK and France. Brittany Ferries offers a number of overnight ferry options between the UK and France.

They offer routes leaving from Portsmouth, Poole, and Plymouth in the UK and going to a number of ports in northern France, including Le Havre, Caen, Cherbourg, and St. Malo.

For those wanting to travel by overnight ferry between London and Paris, we recommend booking either the Plymouth to Caen ferry or Plymouth to Le Havre ferry for options best suited for getting between London and Paris. But if you plan to explore the regions of Brittany or Normandy along the way, you have several route options.

Not all Brittany Ferry trips are overnight sailings so do make sure you book the correct one if you do want an overnight voyage. They typically have one daytime crossing and one overnight cruise for each route daily. The ships range from simple to fairly luxurious.

Many of the Brittany Ferry ships offer multiple dining options, cafes, live entertainment, gift shop, children’s play area, and a movie theater.  When we do an overnight trip, we like to get on, check into our cabin, have a nice dinner at the restaurant, go see the live entertainment, and then head off to bed. The food from the main restaurant is usually very good.

Having traveled by overnight ferry a few times now, I would definitely recommend only booking the overnight ferries if you book a cabin. There are nice reclined airplane style seats you can reserve as well, so this is an option if you are the kind of person who can sleep comfortably in reclined seats (I personally cannot). As otherwise you are paying more for a much longer ferry and will probably arrive pretty tired if you aren’t able to get enough sleep.

We take these ferries when we want a slower and more luxurious ferry option. This is often the first day of a trip or the final day of a trip for us so it often makes a nice transition. But if we want a quick option, we’ll book one of the regular 1.5 hour ferries to cross the Channel.

Can I travel in my own boat from London to Paris?

Yes, technically you can travel along the River Thames from London to where it enters the Channel, cross the English Channel, and then navigate the Seine River to reach Paris. But this journey, especially the English Channel crossing, has certain legal requirements and crossing by barges and small boats are weather dependent and can be dangerous.

If this is something you are considering, you should definitely start researching the route and your options well in advance.

6. Take a Guided Tour

If you are wanting to head off on a quick and organized day or weekend away, you might visit Paris from London on a guided day trip. The two cities are close enough together that it’s possible to leave before breakfast and be back by dinner!

How long is a guided tour from London to Paris?

Most of the guided tours from London to Paris are one long day. So you’d leave London early in the morning and leave Paris by train in the evening. Most day trips leave around 6:00 am and return to the city around dinner time, so expect a long full day of travel and sightseeing.

However, if you have more time, some tours stay overnight in Paris for a day or two.

How much does a tour cost from London to Paris?

Tour costs start at about £200 per person and depend on how much is included. Most include Eurostar train tickets, a sightseeing tour, and an attraction ticket or two. Multi-day trips will, of course, cost more.

What are some Tours that go from London to Paris?

There are a number of tour options, especially day tours from London to Paris, that you can take. Here are some of the better-rated options we’ve found:

• Paris Full-Day Trip from London – This full day luxury tour includes a guide who meets you in London at the Eurostar terminal. You take the Eurostar train to Paris, take a sightseeing bus around Paris, take lunch at the Eiffel Tower, cruise down the Seine and then have free time to visit explore (or take an optional Louvre tour), or do what you wish before your return to London by train.
• Paris Rail Day Trip with Options   – This 15-hour full-day round trip Eurostar journey to Paris allows you to choose the type of Eurostar train ticket (standard or first-class) and how you want to see Paris. You can do independent sightseeing on your own which includes a sightseeing bus pass or you can join a guided day trip around Paris with a guide that includes a Seine River cruise.
• Day Tour by with Lunch Cruise  – This tour includes round-trip Eurostar tickets, a fully guided tour of Paris by luxury coach and a 2 hour Seine river cruise with 3-course lunch
• Guided Paris Day Trip with Free Time – This tour includes Eurostar tickets, a sightseeing bus tour of the city, and a Seine River cruise. You then have the afternoon to use as you wish and explore independently.

Note that some of the tours are fully guided with a person meeting you either at the London train station or when you arrive in Paris and then stay with you for the rest of the day. Others are partially guided and some are independent and they just book your tickets and let you explore independently. So just be sure to read carefully what is included and what is not.

Join a Full day Walking Tour of Paris?

Another idea is to book your own train tickets and make your own way to Paris on the Eurostar and then join up with an all-day walking tour of Paris. You can leave London super early to join the tour, but I’d recommend spending the night beforehand so you are well-rested and won’t have to worry about rushing to get to the tour starting point.

For example, this full-day walking tour includes a guided walking tour of several areas of Paris, including Montmartre, Île de la Cité, and the Latin Quarter, a guided visit to the Louvre Museum, a visit to the Eiffel Tower, and Seine River cruise tickets.

7. Carpooling / Ridesharing

If you are looking for an inexpensive option to get from London to Paris but would like to avoid the bus, you could consider a rideshare or carpooling option. It is an option that also gives you a built-in travel buddy for the journey.

Ridesharing services for a London to Paris trip?

For a trip from London to Paris, you can check out carpooling or ridesharing service like BlaBlaCar , Carpling , or Liftshare to find a carpool across the Channel. On these websites private citizens can offer a seat in their car for a fee to travelers headed in the same direction.

Do keep in mind the safety implications of accepting a ride in a private vehicle with a stranger. Make sure someone always knows where you are going and who you are going with. We recommend sharing the location of your ride and journey, such as with Google maps or similar tracking app, so that a family member or friend can see your location in real-time.

It is technically possible to take a mainstream ride share service like Uber from London to Paris. But you are very unlikely to get a driver willing to make this journey and the cost of the trip would be high. If you are looking for a private transfer like that, see our section below on Private Transfers.

Ridesharing travel time from London to Paris?

The timing will depend on the exact route and method of crossing the English Channel, but most drivers estimate it will take between 6 and 8 hours.

Cost of ridesharing services from London to Paris?

Carpool rides from London to Paris seem to be generally be priced between £35 to £50.

This would make it cheaper than renting your own car and about the same price as driving your own car when you calculate fuel costs and ferry or Eurotunnel prices.

8. Private Car Transfer or Cab

If you don’t want to deal with any logistics or changes and don’t mind a more expensive option, you might consider booking a private car transfer. Although most cab companies and rideshare drivers won’t do such a long cross-border journey, there are some private transfer companies that offer this service.

The driver will pick you up from your hotel, train station, or airport in London and then take you to the chosen destination in Paris. You can also do the reverse and get a private transfer between Paris and London.

How to Book a Private Car Transfer or Cab from London to Paris?

As noted, most companies do not offer this service as it is such a long drive and includes a cross-border crossing over the English Channel. So your options are pretty limited but there are a few companies that can arrange this service.

Here are a few options:

• This private transfer service takes you from London to Paris. A driver will pick you up from your lodging, handle your luggage, and offer you a comfortable ride all the way to Paris. They will have water and snacks available and short breaks will be made for toilets and refreshments. Service can include up to 15 passengers.
• If you are traveling from Paris to London, the same company offers private transfers starting in Paris . So you would be picked up in Paris and driven to London.
• This private transfer service picks you up anywhere in Paris and drops you off anywhere in London. The driver picks you up in a Mercedes car that includes air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. Service can include up to 8 passengers.

How long does it take to get from London to Paris by private transfer?

A private transfer between London and Paris will generally take between 6 and 8 hours, depending on traffic. Most use the Eurotunnel to cross between the UK and France.

Cost of a Private Car Transfer or Cab from London to Paris?

Prices for this service start at around £530 and go up depending on the number of riders and the style of car you desire. A group of up to 4 can travel together for about £1,068 and a group of 8 for £1,268.

Although this is an expensive option for a single traveler or couple, it can be a reasonably priced option for a family or large group.

If you are an avid cyclist, it’s possible to ride your bike from London all the way to Paris. You can cycle all the way to the edge of England and then jump on a ferry or take the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle to cross the English Channel to France. Most cyclists take the ferry.

While we’d recommend such a long-distance cycle trip only for those with more experience as a cyclist, most of this route is fairly flat and suitable for beginner level long-distance cyclists. We’ve read of a number of parents with older children who have successfully done the Avenue Verte route

If you plan to do this route, I’d just be sure to do your research in advance.

Bike route from London to Paris?

There are two main routes, and a variety of variations that cyclists may choose in getting from London to Paris. The two main routes are (in very simplified detail):

Dover/Calais Classic Route : Follow the old Roman Road of Watling Street out of London down to  Dover. Cross the channel by ferry to Calais, then follow Napoleon’s Route National 1 from Calais to Paris. This route is 304 miles (490km) and is not waymarked.

Newhaven/Dieppe Avenue Verte Route: Follow the A11 down to the port of Newhaven. Cross the channel by ferry to Dieppe. Then follow the D915 into Paris. This route is about 247 miles (398 km) long and is waymarked.

We recommend getting a guide to help you understand the route and prepare for the journey. There are a couple of good cycling guides for the route. These include this detailed guidebook by Cicerone on how to follow either the Classic Route or Avenue Verte Route. There is also this cycling guide by SusTrans that helps direct cyclists how to get from the London Eye to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris using the Avenue Verte route.

If you are looking for good maps, Ordnance Survey makes the best maps for the UK and IGN makes similar maps for France. For choosing a map, Ordnance Survey recommends the weatherproof active maps of the Landranger series for long-distance cyclists and IGN recommends the Top100 or Top75 series maps for cyclists. Ordnance Survey makes paper maps, digital maps, and also has preloaded GPS units for cycling and hiking.

It is recommended that you pair a guidebook or maps with a cycling GPS to navigate and stay on the route.

A great online resource for planning your trip is london2paris.co.uk , a website dedicated solely to biking from London to Paris. Most people do the trip independently, but you can also join organized rides of cyclists doing this route or organize a group yourself.

Can cyclists bike across the Channel Tunnel?

No, you cannot actually cycle across the Channel Tunnel. Instead, you can have your bicycle taken across in a specially adapted trailer across the Eurotunnel shuttle.

To use the Eurotunnel cycling service, cyclists must book their crossing at least 48 hours ahead of time by calling the EuroTunnel sales department to ensure a space for their bikes: 44 (0)1303 282201 . You can find out more here .

You can also bring bikes across on the Eurostar train; however, this would defeat the purpose if you want to cycle most the route between London and Paris. You can find out more about bringing bikes on the train here .

Can cyclists bring bikes onboard the ferry?

Yes, you can bring your bicycle onboard almost any of the ferry services between the UK and France. Most cyclists prefer to take the ferry rather than the Eurotunnel as it is generally less expensive, requires less pre-planning, and the ferry crossing locations are better aligned with the popular cycling routes.

The most popular ferry routes for cyclists are the Newhaven to Dieppe route which is operated by DFDS and the Dover to Calais route operated by DFDS .

How long does it take to cycle from London to Paris?

It takes most people 2 to 5 days to cycle from London to Paris, but the route can be done in less than 24 hours. It depends a lot on if you are trying to get there as quickly as possible or if you plan to do some sightseeing and exploring along the way.

It seems that 3 days is the most popular amount of time allocated to the route, which allows most people to complete it while moving along at a steady pace. If you want to do some sightseeing along the way, I’d recommend 5 days or more.

Where to rent a bike in London?

If you won’t have your own bike, there are a lot of places where you can hire bikes in London. For rentals, almost all stores require that you return the bikes in London. So if you are planning a round-trip cycling tour to Paris and back, this would work fine.

However, if you are planning to cycle from London and Paris and not return to London, then it is unlikely you’ll find a bike hire shop where you can rent in one country and return in another.

If you need a one-way bike rental, we recommend purchasing a bike for the trip and then selling it at the other end. So you could buy a bike in London and then sell it in Paris. There are a number of places in both cities where you can buy and sell used bicycles and cycling gear.

If you are really committed to slow travel, you can walk from London to Paris. As there is a large body of water in your way, you won’t be able to walk directly, of course, but you can do the crossing on foot via ferry or Eurotunnel.

Walking routes from London to Paris?

The shortest route would be to walk from London to the ferry terminal in Newhaven, walk onto the ferry, and then walk from Dieppe to Paris.

If you trying to figure out your walking route, or at least a place to start, the Avenue Verte Route might be a good one to consider. It is popular with cyclists and you can read more about the route above within our cycling section. There are a couple of guidebooks on the route (although they are geared to cyclists) that might be helpful.

Whatever route you choose, make sure you do research on the route you want to do and have a good map. It is recommended that you pair a good map with a compass and GPS unit designed for hiking .

If you are looking for good maps, Ordnance Survey makes the best maps for the UK and IGN makes similar maps for France. For choosing a map, Ordnance Survey recommends the weatherproof active maps of the Explorer series for long-distance hikers and IGN recommends the Top25 and Blue Series maps for hiking. Ordnance Survey makes paper maps, digital maps, and also has pre-loaded GPS units for hiking.

Can you walk through the Channel Tunnel?

No, you can’t walk across the Channel Tunnel. The only way to get across the English Channel is on a train, in a vehicle through the Channel Tunnel, or on a ferry.

How long does it take to walk from London to Paris?

It takes at least 3 days to walk from London to Paris and most people take 1 week. According to Google maps, it would take approximately 57 hours to walk the 234 miles from London to Paris. That, of course. considers only the most direct route and doesn’t factor in sleep and rest time.

The most direct route itself is approximately 234 miles; however, 75 miles of that is the ferry, specifically the Newhaven to Dieppe one. So the walking distance of that route would be about 159 miles.

How long it will take to make the journey will depend on your chosen route, level of fitness, planned stops, and how fast you want to move. I’d figure out your route and route length first and then estimate your time based on how many miles you think are doable per day on average.

So for example, if you calculate your chosen route will entail about 170 miles of walking and you think you can walk 30 miles a day you could reach Paris in about 5 or 6 days. If you do 20 miles per day you’d get there in about 8 to 9 days, and if you think 10 miles per day is more realistic it will take about 17 days.

11. Swim the English Channel

Ok, you probably aren’t seriously considering this one, but it’s fun to think about!

You can swim from England to France across the English Channel, but not vice versa anymore as the French have outlawed the act of swimming from France to England. Although if you start in England, you can then return on the same swim back to the UK if you want to do a return swim.

Keep in mind there are certain legal regulations, a fee, and necessities for being able to do this very long swim. You will need to train, particularly in cold water conditions, before undertaking this swim.

Once you are committed to doing it, the first step is to complete the Channel Swimming Association registration packet. Then you will need to book a Channel Swimming Association escort pilot to follow alongside in a boat who will provide assistance if needed and will also bring along your documentation.

You will need to book a swim window (usually a span of several days in a warmer month) and wait for good weather to ensure a safer swim.

If you are interested, you’ll want to head over to the Channel Swimming Association website that offers information regarding registration and regulations. It also offers lots of tips, support, and advice to prospective swimmers.

Swimming route across the English Channel?

Swimmers usually start near Shakespeare’s Cliff between Folkestone and Dover, and end at or near Cap Gris Nez, between Boulogne and Calais in France.

At its shortest point, the channel is only about 21 miles (32 kilometers) long; however, most swims are longer because currents often pull the swimmers out of their desired tract.

How long does it take to swim the English Channel?

It depends on the ability and swim style of the swimmer. Swims can take anywhere from 7 hours (lightning fast) to 27 hours.

People have been successfully swimming across the English Channel since 1875 and you can see a list of some of the more notable swimmers and record holders here .

What is the cost of swimming across the English Channel?

The cost of a Channel swim is generally between £3500 and £5000, but can vary widely. At a minimum, you need to pay for a registration packet and pilot boat.

But you also need to consider travel to and Dover, how long you might need to stay in Dover (food and accommodation), supplies, and time in France (unless you swim back). If you are getting any training lessons, you’ll want to add those costs as well.

What is the Best Way to Get From London to Paris?

The best way to travel between London and Paris is going to depend on what you think of as best. If we had to pick one method, we’d recommend taking the Eurostar train. But this will not be the best method for everyone.

Cheapest Way to Get from London to Paris?

The cheapest practical way to get from London to Paris is to take a bus, which will generally cost you between £12 to £40 per ticket. If you book ahead of time and for a less desirable time slot, you can get from one great city to the other for the cost of a movie ticket.

Carpooling is also a low-cost option as well.

Quickest Way to Get from London to Paris? 

The quickest way to get from London to Paris is to take the Eurostar train. On the Eurostar you can get from the center of London to the center of Paris in under two hours.

Most Cost/Time Efficient Way to Get from London to Paris?

Still probably the Eurostar train. It’s possible to get very inexpensive fares and it’s by far the quickest route.

Most Luxurious Way to Get from London to Paris?

A private jet ride is probably the most luxurious and expensive option.

Other more luxurious options, at much lower price points, include a private transfer service, first-class Eurostar train ride, first-class or business class flights, booking a luxury guided tour, or taking an overnight ferry.

Best Way to Sightsee Between London to Paris? 

Driving or cycling allows you to plan an itinerary of interesting stops along the route and allows you to stop and soak up the scenery at your own pace.

Best Way to do a Day Trip to Paris from London?

If you only have a day or two to spare to visit Paris from London, we recommend taking the Eurostar train between the two cities as it is the most efficient. A direct flight can also be a good option although we prefer the train. If this is your plan, we recommend choosing a hotel in London near St. Pancras, see our list of recommended hotels in London for some options.

If you are looking for an option that requires minimal planning, you might consider booking a guided day trip, such as this one , from London to Paris. You just need to make sure you have all the required travel documents with you and then the rest of the planning (including your Eurostar train tickets) will be handled by the travel company.

Most Leisurely Way to Get from London to Paris? 

Walking from London to Paris will take you about a week but you will have plenty of time to reflect along the way. Cycling or a slow drive are also more leisurely options.

Our Preferred Way to Get from London to Paris?

Normally, we take the Eurostar train as its the most efficient method. If we need our car in France, we normally drive and take the ferry to cross the Channel. The Eurotunnel is faster with a car, but we typically choose to take the ferry.

If we have extra time, we enjoy taking an overnight ferry with Brittany Ferries .

What do I Need to Know Before Traveling Between London and Paris?

It’s important to remember that you are crossing an international border when you travel between London and Paris. Many people will need to prepare in advance in terms of reservations, travel documents, vehicle paperwork, and travel plans.

Here are some things to know before you go:

• Everyone needs to have a valid passport to travel between the UK and France. You may also be asked for proof of onward travel. Depending on your citizenship, you may also need a visa and other travel documents. If you are unsure what you need for travel, I’d check with the UK government website and the travel authority for your own country.
• The primary language in the United Kingdom is English and the primary language spoken in France is French.
• The currency used in the UK and France is different. The currency in the UK is the British pound sterling (GBP) and the currency in France is the Euro.
• The electricity voltage is the same in both the United Kingdom and France (230 V); however, the plug types are different. The standard plug type in the UK is Type G and in France is Type C or E. So you will need to pack a travel adapter to plug in electrical items no matter what country you are from if you plan to travel in both countries. You can see our guide to travel adapters if you need to get one.
• Please check the COVID-19 related restrictions for entry into the UK and France (and re-entry when you return). These requirements keep changing, but may include completing paperwork, proof of vaccination, booking COVID-19 tests, and quarantine. Be sure to have testing and needed documentation ready before your trip. You can check current COVID-19 requirements here .
• If you are bringing pets or other animals across the border, you will need to have the proper documents for the animals. This normally includes a pet passport, microchipping, required vaccinations, and vaccination records for each pet to be allowed entry. There may be special requirements depending on the specific type of transportation you use (e.g., ferry versus Eurostar). You can see the pet entry requirements posted by Eurotunnel here . Please be sure to check the latest pet requirements before you travel and have all the supporting documentation on hand.
• If you are planning on driving between the UK and France, be sure to have the proper documentation, permits, and car supplies needed. See our Driving section above for more information as the requirements for drivers are different for the UK and France.
• Note that many rental car agencies do not allow for cars rented in the UK to be driven in France and vice versa and many do not allow for ferry crossings, so be sure to do your research before making a booking. Drivers from some countries will need to get an International Driving Permit before their trip to rent a car and drive in the UK and France. See our Driving section for more information.
• If you plan to drive in either country, the driving regulations are different for the UK and France so be sure to check driving laws and regulations for each country. Notably, the biggest difference is that those in UK drive on the left side of the road and those in France on the ride side of the road. This is one of the reasons we don’t generally recommend visitors rent a car in one country and drive to the next as the cars in the UK are designed for drivers driving on the left and cars in France are designed for those driving on the right side.
• Note that once you cross the border you are also changing international time zones with a one hour time difference. So be sure to reset your watch and plan your travel accordingly. The UK is in the Greenwich Mean Time time zone and France is in the Central European time zone. So, if it is 10:00am in the UK, it will be 11:00am in France.
• If you are planning to do sightseeing in London, we recommend checking out our suggested 2 day London itinerary , 3 day London itinerary , or 6 day London itinerary . For transport, you can check out our London public transit guide and our Oyster Card guide . For money savings passes, you might consider the London Pass .
• If you planning to spend time sightseeing in Paris, we recommend checking out our suggested 1 day Paris itinerary , 2 day Paris itinerary , 3 day Paris itinerary , and our Eiffel Tower guide .  For money saving passes, you might consider the Paris Museum Pass or Paris Pass .
• If your travels are also taking you to Edinburgh (or elsewhere in Scotland), see our guide to traveling from London to Edinburgh .
• The United Kingdom left the European Union officially on January 31, 2020 and is no longer a part of the EU. If you have traveled between the UK and EU prior to Brexit, you will want to familiarize yourself with the new laws and regulations (especially if planning to drive or travel with pets).
• If you have any questions about travel between London and Paris, feel free to ask in the Comments section below. We can also answer questions about general travel to either the UK of France. We regularly travel to both and have lived in both the UK and France.

We hope this helps you figure out how to get from London to Paris, or vice versa!

Planning to travel to London and Paris in the future? Pin this article to Pinterest to save and read it later:

If you have any questions about traveling between these two cities or travel within either one, just let us know by leaving a Comment below.

Which of these methods is your favorite way to travel between London and Paris? If you have any of your own tips or advice about travel between London and Paris, feel free to share below!

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Rhona Lebner Post author

December 25, 2023 at 1:22 am

Excellent publication, this was so helpful!

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

December 27, 2023 at 7:12 pm

Glad you found our article helpful, and do let us know if you have any questions about traveling between London and Paris!

Best, Jessica

Lynn Hicks Post author

October 17, 2023 at 3:23 pm

Could you please send me hotel suggestions for Paris. We will arrive via Eurostar and would like to stay near main attractions. Two nights and one full day in Paris. Taxis or Uber to hotel from train station is fine. Travel group: I am 62 yrs old, husband 71, and disabled son, 39. Thanks for your help

October 18, 2023 at 4:32 pm

Happy to try to help and provide some advice about your trip to Paris. So first what you’ll want to do is to have a list of the places you want to visit so that will help give you a good idea of where you want to stay. For example, let’s say you want to see the outside of Notre Dame, go on a Seine River cruise, go up the Eiffel Tower, and visit the Louvre. Those are all right along the Seine River in Paris, so maybe you’d want to choose a hotel in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 7th arrondissements (Paris is divided into 20 areas known as arrondissements) within walking distance of the river.

Then next you’ll want to determine your budget and type of accommodation. In your case obviously accessibility may be very important. For example, if your son is in a wheelchair you’ll want to make sure the hotel and the room you book are fully wheelchair accessible. I’d probably look at newer hotels (or hotels that have been recently renovated) as they tend to be more likely to have wider doorways, ramps, roll-in showers etc. (Also be sure to check accessibility for all the attractions you want to visit!)

So the Eurostar arrives into Paris at the Gare du Nord (train station) which is in the 10th arrondissement. I would probably recommend getting a taxi to your hotel from there as that area is not the most central if you want to be near main attractions such as the Louvre or Eiffel Tower.

It is hard to give specific hotel recommendations without knowing your itinerary or your stay dates, budgets, and any specific needs (1 room or 2 rooms?, wheelchair accessible needed?). But here are just a few options to get you started that are within the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 7th (based on attractions listed above), offer some wheelchair accessible rooms, and offer triple or family rooms: Hotel de Varenne in the 7th, Hotel Relais Bosquet in the 7th, L’Empire Paris in the 1st, and Hotel Etats Unis Opera in the 2nd.

Hope that helps, and if you want to give me more details, I am happy to try to help to find more specific hotels that better fit your needs.

Wishing you a wonderful trip to Paris!

Audrey Ruland Post author

July 22, 2023 at 11:04 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence,

Thank you for the invaluable information and great detail on your blog! I do not like tunnels, is there a way to get from Heathrow to Paris efficiently, without going through the Chunnel? Maybe a ferry/train combo but get the train on the other side of the Chunnel? Are there any large tunnels beyond the Chunnel?

Thank you, Audrey

July 26, 2023 at 2:08 pm

There is only one international tunnel connecting the UK and France, the Chunnel which is an undersea tunnel. There are no other bridges, tunnels, or roads connecting the two countries.

So in terms of efficiency, the quickest and easiest for you would be to take the train into London (to London St. Pancras station) from the airport and then get the EuroStar to Paris. However, all EuroStar trains, buses, cars, and other types of ground transport goes through the Chunnel obviously (the cars/bus on Le Shuttle). So the only way to avoid it would be to fly to Paris or to take a train to one of the ferry ports and take a ferry boat and then get a train from the ferry port in France to Paris. Or you could rent a car and drive it onto the ferry and then onwards to Paris, although I wouldn’t really recommend that as you probably would not need the car in Paris.

But a ferry is not very convenient from Heathrow in comparison as you have to takes trains on each side, but it can be done but will take you longer. There are a few ferry connections from the UK to Paris, and you can check the ferry section above and investigate your options depending on your date and which ferry connection you prefer. This would definitely bypass any underseas tunnels. You can also compare the price of a ferry and trains to the cost of airfare to Paris as it may be cheaper (and certainly faster) to fly.

If you decide what route/method of transport you want to do, happy to try to help with more specific questions.

Kasey Gupton Post author

June 18, 2023 at 7:11 am

Hello- you mentioned places to stay in London if one was going to travel between London and Paris but I didn’t see a list of recommended Paris hotels for an overnight between the two cities. Also, what do you recommend for transportation from Heathrow to London center? KG

June 18, 2023 at 7:19 am

Happy to try to help and give recommendations!

So for where to stay in Paris, are you driving between them and wanting a place to stay at a location along that drive? Or a place near the Paris airport or in Paris city center? Also good if you could share an idea of what type of hotels you like and your per night budget. If you could clarify your travel plans and where you are looking for lodging, we are happy to give recommendations as we have stayed in several places in and around Paris.

For getting to London from Heathrow, we generally recommend either taking the Underground train (Tube) or the Elizabeth Line between Heathrow Airport and London city center. However, it does depend on where exactly you are staying. You can see our guide to getting from the London airports to London here for a list of all the options. Happy to give more specific advice if you let me know where you are staying.

June 18, 2023 at 8:30 am

Thank you so much for the quick response. Not sure about Paris. We will take the quick train through the Chunnel from London to Paris and we have one full day/night before returning to London. Definitely want to take the River Seine tour- see Tour Eiffel and cafes, Jardin de Tuileries and Montmartre

June 18, 2023 at 9:28 am

You’re very welcome.

If planning to take EuroStar and you know your dates, I’d book your tickets now. Ticket prices have gotten much higher recently and they just go up the later you wait to book. The sooner you book, the more likely you are also to get the train time you want as many services sell out in advance. Since 1 day is not a lot of time in Paris, I would personally recommend trying to come in on a later service from London and spending 1 full day and 2 nights in Paris to give you the most time.

If you are taking the Eurostar to Paris from London, you’ll arrive into (and leave again to go back to London) the Gare du Nord which is within the 10th arrondissement (area of Paris). So my recommendation since you need to arrive and leave from here, would be to just find a hotel within walking distance of the train station, so maybe within a 10-15 minute walk. That will make it much easier for you if taking the train and you won’t need to get a taxi or take public transit to get to your lodging or to the train so it can save you time and money. You might consider this well-reviewed hotel which is located right across from the Gare du Nord. But there are a lot of options near Gare du Nord from chain hotels like Ibis/Holiday Inn/Mercure to apartments to nicer hotels.

But of course for your sightseeing, you still need to take public transit (or a taxi). So I think it just depends if you prefer to be near the train station for convenience or if you prefer to be within walking distance of specific attractions of interest to you like the Eiffel Tower (which is the 7th arrondissement). I personally really love the Marais area. But I think for a 1 day visit, staying near the train station may make the most sense for you this time.

So if you only have one full day, I would just be sure to book your tickets for the Eiffel Tower (especially if you want to use the elevator), museums, Seine river cruise , and any other popular attractions in advance. Especially if you are going this summer, things are very busy and lots of places are selling out tickets in advance and you don’t want to waste time in ticket lines. So I’d plan our your day carefully and leave plenty of time to actually see each place and get between attractions without being too rushed. Start early and have a great full day and night out and about!

What I might suggest if you want to see as much as possible in the day you have is to book a guided day tour like this one that includes all your attraction entry tickets (this particular one includes Montmartre, Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, a Seine river cruise). That way, you don’t have to worry too much about planning and will get to see everything included in the tour and then have the evening free to explore a little more and have dinner on your own. But to do a tour you would probably need to come in from London the night before the tour and I’d recommend trying to staying a second night to have a full day in Paris before returning to London the next morning. So if you can I’d try to have 2 nights and 1 full day minimum here.

Anyway, hope that helps and let us know if you have more questions as you plan your trip to London and Paris!

Arlene Schneid Post author

May 2, 2023 at 7:24 am

Can I take my small chihuahua pup with me on the train to and from London and Paris?

Laurence Post author

May 4, 2023 at 9:44 am

So you cannot take any pets on the Eurostar train, they do not accept pets of any kind with the exception of guide dogs.

However, you can take pets on the Eurotunnel and on some ferry services. You would need to check pet passport, quarantine and vaccination requirements.

Hope that helps!

Jessica & Laurence

Paula Post author

February 27, 2023 at 10:04 am

Have prices gone up so much? I can’t see any train ticket to Paris from london for 30…and I am looking from now to December…

March 1, 2023 at 6:29 am

Sadly, yes, prices have increased a lot recently and I just went and updated the lowest price above in the article. The cheapest ticket they appear to offer is about 44 euros (£39) and the business premier tickets now seem to all be around 375 euros which is a huge increase. Tickets have always had dynamic pricing but ranged from about 30 euros to 300, but that now seems to have changed with prices ranging from about 44 to 375.

When are you wanting to travel? The cheapest tickets I see for most months are 57 euros for a one-day ticket. You will definitely still save money by booking well in advance but you will have to pay more that you would have probably done a year or two ago. If there are no reasonable prices available for your dates, I would compare it to the prices of ferries, flights, and buses. On some days, it is sadly cheaper to fly to London than take the train.

Hope that helps! Jessica

Karen Wilkinson Post author

November 28, 2022 at 9:19 pm

I am trying to find transport from London to Paris, for two people, The Flixbus is $427.00 round trip, The Eurostar is $879.00 . WE are two seniors wanting to go the week between Christmas and New Years. Are there codes or discounts that I am unaware of? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you

November 29, 2022 at 9:21 am

Unfortunately this is just a really expensive time of year and the only way to get “regular” priced tickets is to book well in advance normally for the Eurostar. I don’t know of any special discounts or codes that would likely help in this situation.

So a bus is likely still going to be your cheapest option. I would play around with your dates and times, the further before Christmas and the later after Boxing Day you can travel, the better your chances of getting better prices. On the Megabus website , if you are able to leave on December 15th, I see 2 one-way tickets from London to Paris for 2 travellers as only £55 (London, Victoria Coach Station to Paris, Gare de Bercy) But they don’t offer any tickets for your return so you’d need to find another option for your return. But that could definitely save you money one way.

There is also Union Ivkoni, a Bulgarian bus company, than runs a late night bus from London to Paris on certain days and is pretty cheap. But we have never used the service and it doesn’t have good reviews. BlaBlaCar Bus is another budget option that does run this route.

Another option would be to consider flying. It would be cheaper to take a budget airline and fly from London to Paris than take the Eurostar train service around that time of year. It looks like you can get a round trip flight for around £260 to £300 per person (so around £500 to £600 for both round-trip), depending on your dates. Vueling and EasyJet seems to have some of the lowest prices.

If getting to a ferry port is an option you can also price those tickets. But this means if you are not driving that you would need to get a train or bus to the British ferry port, and then one from the French port to Paris. Then do the same on the way back. This is a lot more hassle, but this would at least avoid the really expensive Eurostar tickets.

Finally, you could also try to find someone else locally who is heading to France same time and driving, and willing to help cover their fuel and travel costs.

Anyway, hope that helps and it would be great if you want to let us know what you decide to do. It might help others trying to travel between London and Paris this holiday season.

November 29, 2022 at 9:41 am

Thank you so much for all your details, I am dashed that is going to cost the same to go to Paris as it did to fly from Houston. Thinking of just do some type of Great Britain tour that week. So disappointing! Thank you again for your prompt response and insightful help. Warm Wishes, Karen

November 29, 2022 at 10:51 am

You’re welcome and hope it helps. You do have options but other than that one bus ticket, I don’t see good deals out there right now. If you do decide to head to Paris, I would recommend booking soon as services will likely become fully booked on certain dates as the holidays approach.

Yes, you would probably be able to get much better value traveling around the UK by train or bus. If you decide to do that, I would just recommend booking any trains in advance. Lots of Christmas markets, pantomimes, shows, and the like will be going on across the UK and Ireland and then the New Years/Hogmanay celebrations and Boxing Day events afterward. Accommodation is going to be higher around the holidays, particularly in the big cities like London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. But you can often find good value options in secondary cities.

Just note that the rail strikes could affect you so be sure to check those dates. As of now, “there will be four periods of strike action by the RMT union taking place between December and January, which will impact Christmas travel. The days affected are December 13, 14, 16 and 17, and January 3, 4, 6 and 7.”

Anyway, hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip.

Arhaan Post author

October 30, 2022 at 12:48 pm

Use A16 only A1 ,A26 is nasty with so many potholes and A16 is a direct straight line I drove there and tried both routes and the A1 and A26 was so much worse than A16. So in conclusion just avoid A1 and A26 and use A16 only until you are at Paris because then you have to use the A1 only once and that section is fine but the other sections of the road are not fine and have tons of potholes

October 31, 2022 at 10:15 am

Thank for taking the time to comment and let us know about the condition of the A1 road. It is sad to hear it is in such a state with so many potholes.

So yes, so once you get to Calais, the A26 and A1 is generally the most direct route but only by a short distance/short amount of time. So taking the A16 is generally takes only slight longer (generally only 10 to 30 minutues). And from your report, the A16 is currently the road to take for the best road experience. Let’s hope that they repair the issues with the A1 and A26 soon.

Thanks again for your comment and I am sure your report will be helpful to those planning a drive between London and Paris in the coming months!

Roy Hinchliff Post author

November 23, 2022 at 6:46 am

Jessica, I think you should be aware that Arhaan was writing about the motorways in the north of France, not England. England may indeed have some bad roads and the ones which run north from Dover, the M2 and the M20 probably get the most heavy traffic of all, but the A1, A16 and A26 are elsewhere in England and do not lead to Channel Ports (except the A26 which connects Tonbridge with Newhaven)

Apart from that, may I compliment you on a very informative and useful guide which I am recommending to an Australian cousin who is asking me exactly the question answered by your website.

November 24, 2022 at 4:49 am

Thanks, glad our post helped answer any of your cousin’s questions about getting between London and Paris.

Thanks for the clarification about the prior poster’s question about the routes and road conditions. Most of my response does relate to the routes in northern France but I will remove the sentence about the ratings of the A1 in England as I think that may confuse future readers (I think I was confusing it with the M20 when writing that)!

Mridula Post author

July 1, 2022 at 11:15 pm

Hi, Thank you for explaining it very clearly. I have got questions related to taking our own vechile. Could you please let me know if it’s cost effective if taking your own vechile when you are travelling with active toddlers? And is it safe for them to sit under the tunnel for few hours?

July 2, 2022 at 3:41 am

Hi Mridula,

I think you are asking about whether you should take the Eurostar passenger train or take you car onboard the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle?

The Eurostar is pretty self-explanatory in that it is a high-speed train between London and Paris. It takes about 3.5 hours and you can take it directly from London to Paris. The least expensive seats (Standard Class) normally start around 30 euros if booked well in advance. But they can get very pricey, especially if booked more last minute or during particularly busy periods. Children fares are lower than adult fares and those under age 4 can travel for free as long as they are with a parent/guardian, have a valid passport, and are sitting in an adult’s lap for the journey.

So if you take your own car aboard the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, you drive you car into the train car and basically stay in your car for the duration of the ride. The journey itself takes about 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, and so you typically spend maybe 45 minutes inside in your car. So you should note that the Le Shuttle does not start in London nor does it end in Paris. If you are trying to get to Paris, you will then need to drive 3 to 4 hours to reach Paris after getting off the shuttle.

Which is going to be more cost effective will depend on your specific trip and the cost of the Eurostar tickets for your dates. If you are just going from London to Paris and plan to spend time in Paris, it often doesn’t make much sense to have a car as you don’t need a car to get around the city as there is good public transport options as well as taxis and rideshare services. You also need to ensure that your car has all the necessary equipment/certificates to be able to drive in Paris. Given that you’ll need to pay for fuel, parking, certificates, and the shuttle, it is unlikely you’ll save much money. But if you are planning to drive around other places in France and don’t want to take the train, then having a car can be a more cost effective and easier option.

But if you are just getting between London and Paris, the Eurostar is often the most simple and easiest option. I would recommend this option if you don’t need a car on your trip.

For the question about the kids in the tunnel, for both options, you are only actually in the tunnel for a total of about 30 minutes or less. Most of the Eurostar train journey is not in the Chunnel but just making its way on land between London and Paris.

Anyway, hope that helps and just let me know if you have further questions as you plan your trip!

July 2, 2022 at 3:55 am

Hi,Yes, we do have plans to go around the Paris and Normandy. How big is Normandy and how many days it will take us to cover?

July 2, 2022 at 8:11 am

If you decide to go by car to get from London to Paris, the car will be useful to explore Normandy. But for Paris, unless you have free parking there, we’d recommend considering leaving it at a car park or Park & Ride just outside Paris and take a shuttle or train into the city. You can see some options here .

Normandy is a fairly big region and you could spend a lot of time exploring Normandy. So it just depends on what you are interested in doing and seeing there and how much time you have there. There are lots of historical sites, the World War II sites (particularly D-day landing beaches), seaside towns, religious pilgrimage sites (Mont St. Michel), museums, etc. Two of the largest cities in Normandy are Le Harve and Rouen, both are worth exploring if you are interested in history and city sightseeing. The Norman region is also known for its gastronomy and particularly cider and apple brandy. I would recommend at least 3 days but you could easily spend a week or so here.

If you are limited in time, here is a suggested 2 day Normandy itinerary if you just have 2-3 days in the region. This itinerary focuses on Mont Saint Michel and the D-Day landing beaches and WW2 history which are two of the more popular things to do in the region for visitors. But again, it really depends on you and your family’s interests. With small children, you’ll want to consider what might be of most interest to them (e.g., seaside family-friendly beaches, outdoor attractions, and theme parks might be of more interest) and how much time you want to sightsee each day.

Normandy is pretty easy to get around by car. You can also take trains to the cities and many of the larger towns. You can also join a tour from Paris, as there are a lot of day tours from Paris to Normandy. You can see some tour options here .

July 2, 2022 at 9:50 am

Wow that’s amazing thank you for giving me a direction on what I should do and for the look out. Thank for your patience.

July 3, 2022 at 3:53 am

Hi Mridula, You’re very welcome and wishing you and your family a great trip to Paris and Normandy. If you have any further questions as you make plans for your trip, just let me know. Best, Jessica

July 5, 2022 at 4:52 am

Hi Jessica,

Thanks for helping me to make my decision. I have decided to go via my own vechile and booked through Euro tunnel as well. Just wanted to check with you can suggest some good family stay at Normandy or near by. I have looked into couple of them but not clear in their websites. Could you please help me?

July 5, 2022 at 10:14 am

You’re very welcome, glad you have got it booked.

Where in Normandy would you like to stay? Normandy is a region not a city, so it really depends on what you plan to do there. But if you give me where you want to stay in the region (e.g., near Caen, walking distance to a beach, or near Mont St. Michel), what type of place you like to stay (e.g., hotel, resort, apartment) and your budget, I am happy to send along a couple of suggestions.

Sundar Post author

August 31, 2021 at 6:15 am

Hello Jessica, It is a nice article to read, in fact you have explained very clearly all the options to get to Paris from London. Just curious if National Express bus service still available from London to Paris. I travelled from London to Paris long back using National Express bus. And P&O ferry actually accommodated all vehicles including our bus along with us. Is this still operating in the same route? Thanks

September 1, 2021 at 11:42 am

You can certainly still take a bus or coach from London to Paris (see the options listed in post). However, I don’t think there is a regular National Express bus service any longer. I just searched and could not find one currently available. I should also mention that National Express is not currently operating all its routes due to COVID-19 and staff shortages that it used to run.

Buses can still go across on some of the ferries; however, generally the fastest buses will cross the English Channel using the EuroTunnel shuttle.

September 2, 2021 at 11:03 pm

Thanks for the reply

Giorgia Post author

July 3, 2020 at 6:52 am

Hi! In this difficult time for everyone due to the coronavirus lockdown, I was pleased to read a nice article about travelling, very useful information…thank you Jessica and Lawrence!! I hope to go to Paris very soon.. Thank you!

July 3, 2020 at 9:10 am

Hi Giorgia,

Yes, it is definitely a difficult period for everyone, especially those in the travel industry.

France, including Paris, is currently open to travelers from certain countries so I would check the latest government guidelines and announcements. If you are traveling from London, I believe that UK travelers will be allowed to visit France (including via Eurotunnel) starting July 10, subject to checks.

You’re very welcome and wishing you a safe trip to Paris.

Marius D Post author

May 19, 2020 at 9:52 am

very useful information…thank you Jessica and Lawrence!!

May 19, 2020 at 10:10 am

You’re very welcome Marius 😉 Wishing you safe travels if planning a trip between London and Paris!

May 19, 2020 at 10:12 am

Jessica, I love to travel, but I have to find a new job…I am not a rich man and I cannot afford expensive destinations…although I did do my share of travelling….:)

Prashanth Post author

March 22, 2020 at 1:11 am

We always enjoy your articles its inspired a lot by reading your articles day by day. So please accept my thanks for your latest ones.

March 22, 2020 at 8:11 am

Hi Prashanth, Glad you enjoy reading our articles. If you are planning to travel between London and Paris, just let us know if you have any questions! Best, Jessica

February 29, 2020 at 9:18 am

Now with the coronavirus I guess its safer just to stay at home and not travel so much.

February 29, 2020 at 10:32 am

I definitely think certain places are to be avoided. I think it is a fine line between try to avoid putting yourself at risk and not overreacting too much to the news headlines. But I definitely think people should think carefully about their travel, use precautions, and do what they feel is best.

But the coronavirus is definitely hurting tourism, not only in the places with documented infections, but everywhere. We’ve heard from companies that are down 50% to 80% in their bookings so it is going to be a hard time for any business related to travel.

Lori Davies Post author

February 28, 2020 at 1:37 pm

HI Jessica – Your post is very timely as we are planning a trip to Europe from NYC right now and trying to get our travel booked in advance for a June trip. We are on a fairly tight budget and definitely don’t plan to hire a car. We are going from London to Paris to Rome on our trip and staying for 3-4 days in each city. There are 2 of us, would taking the bus be our cheapest option? What are the quality of the buses?

Thanks, Lori

February 28, 2020 at 4:32 pm

Yes, if you are on a tighter budget, the bus is almost always the cheapest option in terms of your options on how to get from London to Paris. You can often get the bus tickets for £10 to £20 if you book in advance. But I would definitely also check Eurostar train tickets from London to Paris as well as sometimes the bus and train tickets are pretty similar and you can save a lot of time by taking the train.

It is hard to say anything about the specific bus you may get and it will depend on the company, but they are going to be good quality coaches designed for longer trips. I know the Flixbus coaches all have Wifi, power sockets, snacks available for purchase, baggage storage, and toilets on board.

Hope that helps and wishing you safe travels! Jessica

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How to Get High-Speed Wi-Fi When Traveling

Looking for reliable, fast wi-fi when traveling?

If you’re having trouble getting affordable, reliable internet on the road, we feel your pain. In almost 20 years of traveling together, we’ve suffered through weak wi-fi signals at hotels, cafes, and in more restaurants than we can count. Sure, sometimes we luck out and get reliable internet, but that’s not always the case.

At this point, we’ve used almost every kind of internet connection available when we travel, whether overseas or domestically.

The Best Options for Wi-Fi When Traveling

In this post, we’ll guide you through your options for getting reliable, fast wi-fi when traveling, and the pros and cons of each type.

Whether you’re looking for temporary internet for a vacation home, internet for a laptop or phone while you travel, or even internet while traveling in an RV on a road trip, here are some of your best options.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal Free Wi-Fi

When we first started traveling together, we spent a lot of time and hassle trying to find free internet for travelers. Over the years, I swear we’ve used the free wi-fi at every hotel chain and fast food chain around.

Sometimes the wi-fi is fast and reliable, but most of the time it’s spotty and unreliable. We’ve had more than our share of times where the internet was completely down, or where we couldn’t get the wi-fi signal in our room.

Pros : It’s free. Most hotel, restaurant, and public place wi-fi is free (though there are exceptions). It’s also easy to access.

Cons : Security is a major issue here, as it’s relatively easy to intercept your data. A password manager and a VPN can help with security, but you’re always taking your chances with free wi-fi. If you use a VPN, be sure to pick one that has a no logs policy, like the reputable Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN .

Use Roaming from Your Mobile Provider

Likely the easiest way to get wi-fi on the road is to simply use roaming data from your existing cell phone provider.

The danger of this is that you’ll get slammed with outrageously expensive roaming fees when you get home. To avoid the price shock, contact your cell provider and see if they offer a more affordable roaming plan.

Pro : Easy, instant and generally reliable and secure.

Con : May be prohibitively expensive. To share your cell’s data with a computer or other mobile, you’ll need share your connection via wi-fi, USB, or Bluetooth. This is called tethering, and can result in slowing down the data connection, and may drain your phone’s battery quickly.

Get a Mobile Hotspot

In the last five years, we’ve become huge fans of mobile hotspots for internet access.

A mobile hotspot is a small device (usually the size of a deck of cards) that gets you internet access wherever you go, whether that’s on a road trip near home, or in a country half way around the world.

You’ll pay a fee to rent the portable wi-fi hotspot for travel (or you can buy it outright), and then pay for a data plan. Depending on where you are in the world, data plans can run from $8 a day internationally, or $49 for unlimited internet in the USA for up to a week.

Most hotspots let you connect up to 10 devices, so they’re great for groups or families, but they don’t offer SMS texts or voice phone calls (though you can always use an app like Fongo or Google Voice to call).

• GlocalMe portable Wi-Fi hotspot review
• Skyroam Solis portable Wi-Fi review
• Keepgo MiFi device review .

Pros : Convenient, easy to use, reliable connection in most countries and fast speeds, some with unlimited data. Great for groups.

Cons : More expensive than free hotel Wi-Fi.

Buy a SIM Card at Your Destination

Buying a local SIM card at your destination can be a great way to save money, and save you from expensive roaming charges or scrounging free wi-fi.

Companies like Orange Travel can offer great savings, when compared to roaming or paying for a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Right now they have an Orange Holiday Europe 20GB deal on, which includes includes unlimited calls and texts in Europe.

However, depending on your destination country, tracking down a local SIM card can be tricky. Occasionally, you can find a kiosk selling SIMs in the airport, but we’ve often had to schlep around a new city to find a cell provider. You can usually get a local SIM at convenience stores, news stands, and vending machines.

The biggest negative with a SIM card is that if you’re traveling to multiple countries, a local SIM may not work in all of the countries you visit. It’s also harder to share your connection with other members of your family or group.

Some countries may also require that you’re a citizen, or need a local address, to get a local SIM card, so a local SIM isn’t an option everywhere.

You’ll also have to physically remove your mobile phone’s old SIM card, store it somewhere, and insert the new SIM card, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Pros : Generally affordable, and speeds are usually good.

Cons : Finding a local SIM can be inconvenient, and it may not work in more than one country. You’ll also need an unlocked phone for this to work. To share your connection, you’ll need to create an internet tethering connection or a hotspot on your phone to share the internet connection to a laptop, tablet, or other phones.

Buy a Roaming SIM Card at Home

You can buy a local SIM card when you get to your destination, but that can be inconvenient, especially if you’re short on time.

Some companies simplify travel internet by letting you buy a SIM card at home for use as you travel. The SIM comes with a data plan, and also usually lets you make phone calls and get SMS messages while abroad. To use it, you’ll just need to remove your old SIM card, and insert the travel SIM once you arrive in your destination country.

Pros : Affordable (generally under $50).

Cons : Same as the previous one. To use internet on computers or other phones, you’ll need to create a mobile hotspot connection (called tethering). You’ll also need an unlocked phone.

Internet Cafe

We’re really showing our age here, but when we first started traveling together back in 2001, we relied almost exclusively on Internet cafes (also called cyber cafés) for how to get internet away from home.

Their rows of boxy monitors and beat up desktop computers used to mean an instant connection to the internet, for the cost of a small hourly fee. In 2001, internet cafes were used by almost all travelers as a place to get together, and get good internet. Today, cell phones and free wi-fi have all but obliterated the good old internet café.

While you’d be hard pressed to find an internet café in most tourist spots today, they do exist in much less developed areas. If you’re looking for one as you travel, also look out for gaming centers or gaming cafes since many have gone that route, however their gaming computers can still be used to browse the web, print things off and chat with loved ones back home.

BTW, the last time we used a dedicated internet café was in the Philippines back in 2008, and we used it to access a printer, not for the internet connection, though we have jumped into a few gaming centers over the years to cool down with their aircon and let the kids game for a while.

Pros: No computer or mobile phone needed, affordably hourly cost, generally high connection speeds.

Cons : Security issues with using a shared computer, often noisy environment and overall lack of privacy.

What’s your preferred method of internet access when you travel? Let us know in the comments.

Finding reliable wifi when traveling is always a concern. Free wifi always has security concerns. I like your idea about purchasing a local SIM card to avoid roaming charges.

Getting high speed Wi-Fi when travelling is such a blessing! Sometime the connection at your hotel is weak and I completely understand the security threat. Great to learn a few options on having Wi-Fi on the go. Thanks for this informative post.

We have been begging, borrowing and stealing while on the go when it comes to Wi-Fi connection. A local sim card is a great option to get affordable and uninterrupted connection I feel. Besides it is easy to contact the provider and promptly get things sorted in case of technical glitches. Wonderful post!

Informative Post. I think buying a sim card at the destination is always a good choice, however its best to do your own research since there are many vendors at airports looking to get your on their most expensive plan which is overpriced.

My favorite part of this article is a password manager and a VPN can assist with security, but with free wi-fi, you’re constantly taking chances. Someone recently told me about this and it is different from what I understand. Thanks for helping me understand internet service plans.

Loved your blog, thanks for the information, I find it really interesting.

My favorite hotspot is the local library. Most towns even small have one and they are free to hook up to their WiFi as a guest.

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5 lessons Benjamin Franklin taught me about traveling well

The most widely traveled American of his time, the founding father learned a thing or two along the way.

As a young boy growing up in Boston , Ben Franklin liked to loiter at the local harbor. He’d watch the arriving ships, chat with the sailors, and dream of joining their ranks. That dream never materialized—but Franklin, an American founder, groundbreaking scientist, statesman, and writer, did go far.

He was the most widely traveled American of his time, logging 42,000 miles over the course of his long life. (He died at age 84.) He crossed the Atlantic eight times. As deputy postmaster, he traveled the entire length of the Northeast. He spent a third of his life abroad, living in London and Paris , and visiting Canada , Ireland , Scotland , Germany , the Netherlands , and, for three glorious days, the Portuguese island of Madeira .

Travel enabled him to cast his gaze beyond Puritan Boston and imagine fresh possibilities. What advice might the peripatetic founder offer us modern-day travelers? Here are five lessons, culled from Franklin’s writing and his life, and which I explore in my new book, Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder’s Formula for a Long and Useful Life .  

Movement stirs the imagination

In one of the many contradictions that defined Franklin, travel enabled this most restless of souls to pause—and think. He did some of his best writing and experimenting while on the road or at sea. It was on a bumpy carriage ride from Philadelphia to Albany, New York, in 1754 when he composed his brilliant and prescient plan for colonial unity . It was on an Atlantic crossing to London in 1757 when he wrote his famous “Father Abraham’s Speech” (later retitled “The Way to Wealth.”). On another Atlantic crossing, to Philadelphia in 1774, Franklin’s opposition to British rule gelled and, at age 69, he became a fervent American rebel.

Franklin joins a long list of creative people who found inspiration on the road, from Charles Dickens to J.K. Rowling. There is something about movement that stirs the imagination. As the Swiss philosopher (and Franklin contemporary) Jean-Jacques Rousseau said: “I can scarcely think when I remain still; my body must be in motion to make my mind active.” So, next time you leave home, bring a notebook and pen. You never know what ideas might arrive unbidden.

(He was a Founding Father. His son sided with the British.)

All great travelers are great actors

On the road, far from family and expectations, we feel lighter, and free to play different roles. No one knew this better than Benjamin Franklin. He slipped in and out of character as effortlessly as Tom Hanks. In London, he played the part of the proper English gentleman; in France, wigless and wearing a marten fur cap, he transformed himself into the folksy, backwoodsman philosopher. (The French ate it up.)

Franklin knew he was playacting, wearing sundry masks, and winks at us while doing so. He was what the philosopher Alan Watts called a “genuine fake.” Genuine fakes are not con artists and they are not deluded. Genuine fakes so fully inhabit their role—their role s—there is no distance between part and person, mask and face. Next time you’re on a journey, try on a mask or two. What do you have to lose?

Improvisation can rescue a journey

Franklin was an accomplished swimmer, at a time when few people, not even sailors, could stay afloat. He swam in Boston’s Charles River and later in London’s Thames and Paris’s Seine.

He plunged into other kinds of unfamiliar waters, too. He took chances while traveling, and embarked on journeys when the outcome was far from certain. When he ran away from home at age 17, he had no idea what awaited him in New York or Philadelphia. In 1757, he traveled to London for what he thought would be a six-month assignment. He ended up staying for 17 years. Later, when the ship carrying him to France encountered uncooperative winds and couldn’t dock, Franklin commandeered a fishing boat to take him ashore. When leaving France eight years later, and too sick to make the carriage ride from Paris to the seaside town of Le Havre, he convinced the French queen Marie Antoinette to lend him her personal litter.

As a traveler, Franklin made plans—he was a methodical person, after all—but always remained flexible. He was a master of improvisation, one of the key tools in any traveler’s kit.

Not all destinations are equally good

As a young man, Franklin drew up a list of 13 virtues he intended to follow. One was sincerity, or honesty. And that he was, especially when it came to travel. He was finicky. He knew what he liked and what he didn’t. Had Tripadvisor existed then, he would have been every hotelier’s worst nightmare. In France, he chastised innkeepers for poor service. In England, he described a Portsmouth hotel as a “wretched inn,” where even the stationery was shoddy. He called the town of Gravesend “a cursed biting place”, whose inhabitants expertly relieved travelers of their money.

Yet when he liked a place, he was equally vocal. During a six-week visit to Scotland, he experienced the “densest happiness” of his life. On a trip to France, in 1767, he effused about the beauty of Versailles. “The range of building is immense, the garden front most magnificent…the number of statues, figures, urns, in marble and bronze of exquisite workmanship is beyond conception.”

Franklin knew that travel demands discernment; not all destinations are equally good, and that to love every place is to love no place. His advice: Call them as you see them.

Bad trips can turn into great ones

We’ve all had bad trips, journeys where, despite our best planning and intentions, everything goes wrong. Franklin had his share of bad trips, too—an ill-fated journey to Montreal at age 70 nearly killed him—but he didn’t fret or sulk about them. He converted them into something useful: fodder for one of his many essays, perhaps, or a good tale to tell friends over a glass of Madeira.

(Why bad trips can make for great stories.)

One bad journey proved transformational. Only 20 years old, Ben was sailing from London to Philadelphia. The ocean crossing was plagued from the beginning. At one point, a shark circled the ship, forcing Ben to skip his daily swim. Onboard, a card cheat was uncovered, as well as a reckless cook who depleted their food reserves. The winds blew infrequently or, when they did, from the wrong direction. A journey that should have taken four weeks took 13.

With time on his hands, though, Franklin decided to reform himself. He devised a “Plan of Conduct” and vowed that “henceforth, I may live in all respects like a rational creature.” His plan consisted of four simple rules. Pay what you owe. Say what you mean. Focus on what matters. Treat people kindly.

Franklin had departed London one person and arrived in Philadelphia another. He knew that every bad journey contains the seeds of a very good one.

Related Topics

• EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL
• TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE
• AMERICAN REVOLUTION
• COLONIAL AMERICA
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL

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14 Easy Tips to Always Find Cheap Flights

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

For most trips, airfare is the most expensive part of the trip. While prices for transatlantic flights have gone down in recent years, they can still put a sizeable dent in any travel budget. Whether you’re a budget solo traveler or a family looking to vacation abroad, finding a cheap flight deal can be what makes or breaks your trip.

After all, if your flight is too expensive, you’re likely going to keep putting the trip off. I’ve seen it happen time and time again.

And yet every day, airlines have thousands of amazing deals — from mistakenly published fares to special promotions to slashing prices to compete with another airline. Cheap fares are out there and they can make your dream trip a reality — if you know where to look (I start all my flight searches with Skyscanner ).

Today, I am going to help you master the art of finding a cheap flight. These are the exact steps I’ve been following for a decade to get the cheapest airfare possible every time I fly. If you follow them too, you’ll never be the person on a flight who paid the most for their ticket!

Here’s how to find a cheap flight no matter where you want to go in the world:

Table of Contents

1. Ignore the Myths

2. be flexible with your travel dates and times, 3. be flexible with your destinations, 4. keep an eye for special deals, 5. fly budget carriers, 6. don’t always fly direct, 7. remember not all search engines are equal, 8. take advantage of student discounts, 9. mix and match airlines, 10. use points and miles, 11. search ticket prices for individual travelers, 12. look for tickets in other currencies, 13. book early (but not too early), 14. book hidden city fares, find your cheap flights today.

The first thing to know about finding a cheap flight is that there is no magic bullet or one secret ninja trick to doing so. There are a lot of myths online about how to find cheap flights. In fact, you’ve probably come across a ton of them on your search to find the best flight deal!

They are all lies. They will lead you astray.

Most websites hire terrible reporters who recycle common and outdated myths. Here are the most common that are 100% not true:

• It is NOT cheaper to buy airfare on a Tuesday (or any other specific day for that matter).
• There is NO evidence that searching incognito leads to cheaper deals.
• There is NO exact date or specific time period in which to book your airfare.
• You can’t predict airline prices and websites that do are basically taking an educated (but probably wrong) guess.

Airlines use advanced computer and pricing algorithms to determine prices and run sales based on the time of the year, passenger demand, weather, major events/festivals, time of day, competitor prices, fuel prices, and much more. Those so-called “tricks” don’t work anymore. The system is too smart. Throw them out. Let them die.

Don’t listen to anyone who tells you otherwise. Anyone who is telling you doesn’t know what they are talking about.  

Airline ticket prices vary greatly depending on the day of the week, time of year, and upcoming holidays, such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Thanksgiving, or the Fourth of July. August is a big month for traveling around Europe , and everyone wants to go somewhere warm in the winter or travel when the kids are out of school.

In a nutshell, if you are going to fly when everyone is flying, then your ticket is going to cost more.

The solution is to fly off-season. Search alternative dates so that you can capitalize on the best day. The more rigid your plans, the less likely it will be that you find a deal.

Try to be flexible with your dates. If you are dead-set on visiting Paris , go in the spring or fall when fewer people visit and airfares are cheaper.

But if you want to go in the middle of August? You’re out of luck. Hawaii over Christmas? Good luck! Prices will be at their highest.

Moreover, it’s almost always cheaper to fly during the middle of the week than on a weekend because most people travel on the weekends and airlines hike their prices then. Prices are cheaper if you fly after or on a major holiday. Early-morning or late-night flights are also cheaper because fewer people want to travel then (who wants to wake up early?!). Fridays and Mondays are expensive because that’s when most business travelers fly.

When searching on Skyscanner , simply click on the date field to expand the calendar view and you’ll immediately see the cheapest months to fly. On this search from NYC to Paris, you can see that traveling during September, November, or December would be half as much as traveling during June or July:

Airlines are not dumb. They know when a festival, holiday, major sports event, or school break is coming up — and they raise prices accordingly.

Be flexible with your dates and times and you’ll save yourself some major money.  

If you can’t be flexible with when you fly, at least be flexible with where you fly. It’s best to be flexible with both, but if you really want to save the most money and get a cheap flight for your trip, you at least need to be flexible with one or the other.

Airline search engines have made it really easy to search the entire world to find the cheapest ticket. You no longer have to search manually, city by city, day by day. Websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights offer explore tools that allow you to put in your home airport and see a map of the world with all the flights on it. This allows you to easily compare multiple destinations without having to brainstorm every possible option. You’ll likely even find some interesting destinations you hadn’t even thought of either!

If you are flexible with where you want to go (i.e., anywhere but home), all you need to do is type “Everywhere” into the search box on Skyscanner or “Anywhere” if you’re using Google Flights.

The truth about airfare is that there’s always a deal to some destination — it might just not be your first choice. However, if you’re flexible about where you want to go, you’ll always get a deal and save a ton of money in the process.

When you are locked into one place at one time, you are stuck with whatever price shows up. Nothing can change that. But when you become flexible, suddenly the entire world opens up to you and you’ll find amazing cheap airfares!  

Before you start looking for specific lights, make sure you’ve signed up for some newsletters. Joining the mailing list for airlines and last-minute deal websites will give you access to the absolute best deals out there. Sure, 99% of them might not fit your itinerary but keeping your eye on the deals will ensure you don’t miss an amazing opportunity.

More often than not, cheap flights are only available for a limited window (usually 24 hours). If you aren’t always scouring the web for sales, you’ll likely miss out on the best deals.

I would have missed out on a round-trip ticket to Japan for $700 USD (normally $1,500) as well as a $500 flight to South Africa if I wasn’t signed up to flight deal websites.

Additionally, airline newsletters often offer frequent flier bonuses. Those points and miles can add up to free flights and awesome upgrades.

Aside from joining airline newsletters, the best website for finding travel deals is Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) . It’s the BEST for upcoming US flight deals and new users can get 20% off a Premium membership with the code NOMADICMATT20.

Other sites worth checking out are:

• The Flight Deal – Great for global flight deals.
• Holiday Pirates – The best for European flight deals.
• Secret Flying – A great site for flight deals from around the world.

Years ago, if you wanted to fly between continents, you were mostly stuck with traditional expensive airlines. That’s no longer true. These days, you can fly most of the way around the world on a budget airline. Sure, they might not be as comfortable and you may need to pay for premium upgrades like checked bags and meals, but they bring the world to your doorstep without breaking the bank.

Budget airlines mainly service short and medium-haul routes. While many budget carriers (notably Norwegian Air) scrapped their long-haul routes during COVID, new ones (like PLAY, Norse Atlantic Airways, and French Bee) have now arisen to take their place.

For now, budget airlines mainly operate regionally so it’s really easy to find a cheap flight, even during this age of higher prices.

• Flair Airlines
• Air Canada Rouge
• Air Transat

United States

• Allegiant Air
• Spirit Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• Hong Kong Express
• Spring Airlines
• T’Way Airlines
• Cebu Pacific
• VietJet Air
• Norwegian Air

Australia/New Zealand

Middle East

Flying budget airlines is a good alternative to flying “the majors” whenever possible. You get fewer perks, but you can save a bundle in price.

Just be sure to watch out for fees. That’s how they make money! Budget airlines often charge fees for checked bags, carry-ons, printing your boarding pass, using a credit card, and anything else they can get away with. Be sure to add up the cost of the ticket AND the fees to make sure that the price is lower than a larger carrier.

You’ll also want to double-check the location of the budget airline’s airport at your intended destination. These airlines often fly in and out of airports that are quite far from the actual city, with limited and expensive transportation options.

For example, the shuttle to Beauvais, the budget airport for Paris , costs 17 EUR one-way. If you’re flying roundtrip, this means that you should add about 34 EUR to the price of your plane ticket to see if you’re even saving much by flying a budget airline.  

Not only does it help to be flexible with dates and destinations but being flexible with the route you take is another way to get a cheap flight. For example, sometimes it’s cheaper to fly to London and take a budget airline to Amsterdam than to fly direct to Amsterdam from your departure city.

I did precisely this when I was going to Paris. The flight from the US was $900 USD, but I could fly to Dublin for $600 and get a $60 flight to Paris. It meant more flying time, but the $240 USD I saved was worth it to me.

To use this method, find out how much it is to go directly to your destination. Then, open Google Flights and type in that destination’s continent to look at prices to nearby airports. If the difference is more than $150 USD, I look to see how much it is to get from the second airport to my primary destination (either by budget flight or train, if it’s not too far). You can use Rome2Rio to help search for the best ways to get between a nearby airport and your primary destination.

You can also do this for leaving too. It might be cheaper to fly out from a nearby airport. I often search other airports to see if it’s cheaper to fly/drive/train there and then fly to my final destination. For long international flights, it can be worth the added time!

If you do book separate segments, be sure to have at least three hours between connections. This will give you space in case there is a delay as your second flight won’t wait for you (you booked with a separate airline, so they won’t care if you’re late or not).

Leaving a three-hour buffer will also cover you for an insurance claim since most insurance companies require you to have at least a 3-hour delay before you can make a claim.

This method is more work since you have to figure out lots of different routes and check different airlines. But it can lower the price of your flight, which is worth the extra effort if you end up saving a few hundred bucks.

Note : If you ever have a delayed flight to or from Europe, you might be owed additional compensation (upwards of 600 EUR). Here’s how to find out if you’re entitled to compensation!  

In order to find the best deal, you need to search multiple websites. Many major search sites don’t list budget carriers or obscure foreign carriers because those airlines don’t want to pay a booking commission. Others don’t list booking sites that aren’t in English. And others still only display prices retrieved directly from airlines.

In short, not all flight search websites are created equal and all have their pros and cons.

Since there is no perfect airline search engine, you’ll want to search a few to compare. Even the best have their faults. That said, I have a few favorites I always start with as they tend to consistently show the best results. To me, the best websites to find a cheap flight are the following:

• Skyscanner – The best booking site out there. They have a great user interface (and a great app for mobile )
• Google Flights – Great search engine that lets you see prices for multiple destinations.

Typically, I start all my searches with Skyscanner because it searches all major AND budget airlines, non-English websites, English websites, and everything in between. They vet all the sites they link to as they have strict criteria on who they operate with. It’s one of the most comprehensive booking sites out there and they have the lowest price 99% of the time. I’ve been using them since 2008, and it’s the search engine all the other travel experts I know use too.  

If you are a student (or under 26), there are many discounts available to you. You can usually find prices 10-20% off the standard fare. Travel agencies like Flight Centre and Student Universe can help find you a cheap ticket. Don’t overlook them!

Additionally, keep in mind that most student discounts transfer over to airline partners. For example, Lufthansa offers a student discount, which means you can use that discount on partner airlines such as Swiss Airlines and Austrian Airlines. This will allow you to go much further afield while still saving a ton of money.

If you’re not sure which airlines offer discounts (they don’t make this information easy to find), visit their website or call them. Doing a little digging to save 20% (or more) will be worth it!  

When you book directly with an airline, you’ll only be able to fly that airline and any partner airlines it has. That means your options will be limited when it comes to finding the perfect itinerary or saving the most money.

Usually, that will suffice. However, if you’re chasing greater savings, try booking your tickets on separate airlines. For example, if you’re flying from New York to Paris, you might have a stop in London. Booking both legs as one ticket will be simple, but it likely won’t save you money.

Instead, book your New York to London flight as one ticket and then your London to Paris ticket with another airline. That will allow you to shop around for the best bargain. It’s more work, but the savings (and flexibility) can be worth it.

This is what most third-party booking websites like Kiwi.com do. They piece together trips using whatever flights they can find to ensure you get the cheapest price.

If you’re hunting for the lowest possible price and aren’t happy with what you’re finding on the airline’s website, try booking separate segments. You might just stumble onto a great deal!  

As soon as you know you want to travel somewhere you should sign up for a travel credit card. Using points and miles is the #1 way avid travelers like me earn free flights, travel perks, and free hotel stays. Travel credit cards offer huge welcome bonuses, credit toward rideshares like Uber or Lyft, access to airport lounges, travel insurance, and much more.

You don’t need to do any extra spending either. I earn over a million miles a year — without flying or spending extra money. That translates into dozens of free flights (often in business class) for myself and my family.

If you are smart with your money and collect points and miles, you can travel around the world for very little (and often free). Here are some articles that can help you get started:

• Points and Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• How I Earn 1 Million Frequent Flier Miles Every Year
• Is Collecting Points and Miles Really a Scam?
• The Ultimate Guide to Points and Miles
• The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Best Travel Credit Card
• The Best Travel Credit Cards for Travelers

If you already have some points and miles collected, consider joining a platform like point.me . It’s a search and booking engine that helps you find the best ways to use your points and miles. It searches 30+ loyalty and 100+ airline programs to find the best value possible so you never waste your miles! Get your first month for just $1 with the code NOMADICMATT .  

If you’re traveling with friends or family, don’t search for or buy multiple tickets in a single purchase. Airlines always show the highest ticket price in a group of tickets which means you’ll end up paying more money.

Airlines have tons of different price points for tickets (these are based on a variety of factors). They want to sell tickets in the highest fare bucket possible and, when they group tickets together, always list prices in the highest fare bucket.

For example, if you are a family of four and you’re searching for four seats, the airline will find four seats together and show your fare based on the highest ticket price. So if seat A is $200, seats B and C are $300, and seat D is $400, it will price those tickets as $400 each instead of adding up the individual ticket prices. If the price difference is large, that translates into a sizeable extra expense.

For that reason, always search for tickets as a single person. Afterward, in the checkout process, you can pick your seats so you and your family are sitting together. And even if you end up not beside one another, that’s a fair trade for saving a few hundred dollars.  

If your country’s currency is currently strong compared to others around the world, search for airfare in a country where the currency is weaker.

For example, when the US dollar was strong and the New Zealand currency weak, I found a one-way flight from Australia to NYC for $1,000 USD. However, when I searched on the New Zealand version of the airline, I found the same ticket for $600 USD.

It was the same airline, same flight, and same booking class — it was just booked in a different currency. This tip does not always work, but it works often enough that it’s something worth trying if your currency is currently doing well.

( Tip : Always use a no-foreign-transaction-fee card to avoid paying a surcharge .)  

Airline fares keep rising the closer you get to departure, but there is a sweet spot when the airlines begin to either lower or increase fares based on demand. Don’t wait until the last second but don’t book far, far in advance either. The best time to book your flight is around 2-3months before your departure, or around five months before if you are going to your destination during their peak season.

This isn’t a hard and fast rule, though, so use it as a guide. I could go on forever about airline pricing models but airlines raise prices closer to departure because the people who book last minute tend to be price insensitive business travelers so they will pay whatever. So don’t book last minute!  

This is a more advanced (and riskier) way of finding cheap flights, but if you’re adamant about spending as little money as possible, it’s worth looking for hidden city fares. This is when you book a flight that has a layover in your desired destination. You then get off the plane and exit the airport at the layover city instead of continuing onto the final destination that you booked the ticket for.

For example, say you want to fly from Austin to Atlanta. A flight from Austin to New Orleans with a stop in Atlanta might be cheaper than booking Austin to Atlanta directly.

As you can imagine, this practice can get complicated and tricky. There are a few crucial elements to keep in mind, namely that once you skip a leg, the airline cancels the rest of your trip. That means that you cannot buy round-trip flights and do this practice on your departure flight, because your return flight will be cancelled. Also, you cannot check bags, as they will end up in the final destination on your ticket, not where you get off.

Additionally, airlines strongly frown upon this practice, so you don’t want to advertise that this is what you’re doing, and you don’t want to do it often, otherwise you might get flagged.

All that being said, you can save hundreds of dollars with hidden city flights, and it’s perfectly legal. It’s easy to search for hidden city flights on the website Skiplagged . Just do so at your own risk!

Finding a cheap flight is all about being flexible and getting creative. It may take some effort, but the deals are out there if you’re willing to look. Follow the tips above to get started, but don’t waste hours and hours hunting for a cheap flight. If you’re spending more than an hour booking a flight, you’re spending too much time.

Once you find a flight deal that you’re happy with, book right away, as airfares change by the minute. Remember that you have a 24-hour window to cancel in case you need to.

Use the tips above on how to get a cheap flight to get the ball rolling. Do that, and you’ll always get a great deal!  

I start all my searches with Skyscanner because they search all major AND budget airlines, non-English websites, English websites, and everything in between. Even if you aren’t sure of your plans, it’s best to start searching for flights today. People who wait to book are people who end up spending the most.

Use this widget to plan your next trip:

READ NEXT —-> How to Put This Into Practice: 5 Step-by-Step Instructions for Booking a Flight

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. If you have any questions about the companies or my status as an affiliate, please don’t hesitate to email me.

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This Is the Best Sport to Explore a New City (and It’s Free)

Try it on your next trip.

Getty Images

As a lifelong athlete and avid traveler, staying active while on the road isn’t just a matter of fitness, it’s a matter of sanity. And while I wish there was an Olympic pool or ocean I could dive into at every destination, the one constant I can control is packing a pair of trainers. (Truly, it’s the first thing I throw into my suitcase , every single time.) Running isn’t just great for combatting jet lag and counterbalancing all the eating I love to do on a trip; it’s the ultimate way to immerse myself in the heartbeat of a new destination. There’s nothing like lacing up and exploring bustling streets and unknown terrain. Every stride reveals a new facet of a city’s personality. And it doesn’t have to cost a thing.

Traveling for a race can add another layer of exploration, of course. And after running my first half marathon in San Diego , I now see how runners plan PTO around marathons. (I conveniently plotted my stay at the new Lafayette Hotel , which made for the ultimate afterparty.) Since many race routes traverse historic bridges, monuments, and waterfront promenades, it allows you to take in the sights, sounds, and scents of a destination in a a way that calls on the collective energy of shared experience. And it’s even better when done with a group of friends.

David Epperson/Getty Images

Whether it’s exchanging smiles with early morning joggers or soaking up the race-day energy of thousands of participants ranging from elite athletes to complete beginners, running fosters a sense of camaraderie and community. Lately, I’ve been popping in on local run clubs to explore new neighborhoods in my own city, treating myself to a much-deserved meal at new restaurants I want to try afterwards. And did I mention you get to carbo load the night before a race? I took that as an excuse to book in at Siamo Napoli in North Park for the most outrageous pappardelle ragu.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by k r i s t a s i m m o n s (@kristasimmons)

Unlike structured tours or crowded attractions, running allows me to set my own pace, take detours, and discover unexpected treasures along the way. For me, it isn’t just about covering miles—it’s about embracing the spirit of exploration and discovering the soul of a city at my own speed. But consider yourself warned. After completing my first San Diego Rock N Roll , I was immediately Googling my next race. (Spoiler alert: it’s the Santa Cruz Triathlon.)

And who knows? It may even lead to your next love match; some are saying Strava is the new Hinge, after all. (I have yet to experience that side of the app, for what it’s worth.) The best part is, you don’t need a whole lot to get started. If you want some recs on the basics, here’s what I used to go from struggling through a two-mile trot to completing my first half. None of it is required, of course. All you really need is a sense of adventure, an able body, and a decent pair of shoes.

Courtesy of Amazon

Garmin Venu 3

I’ve never been a smart watch girlie, but I love how this helped track mileage and give great biofeedback like heart rate, which helped with Zone 2 training.

Courtesy of Hoka

Hoka Bondi 8

The first thing I throw into my carry-on is always, always a pair of trainers. For my first half marathon, this pair got me and my wonky knees through training and race day. I brought them on my recent trips to Lanai and Punta Mita, and the vibrant colorway always gets compliments.

Shokz Open Run Headphones

The bone conduction technology makes it so that you can hear cars and other activity around you, making for a safer run. They’re sweat and waterproof, produce excellent audio quality, and wont’ fall out of your ears like many ear buds do.

Courtesy of Gorewear

Gorewear Contest 2.0 Long Sleeve

I really like these wicking, lightweight long sleeves because they keep you cool and dry in most conditions, and also provide visibility if you’re running early morning or late at night.

Honey Stinger

I learned quickly in my running journey that if you’re running longer than an hour, you absolutely have to be fueling. While the goos are great for race day, I am obsessed with Honey Stinger’s caffeine gummies and stroopwafels. You can also snack on dates or even sour candies if you don’t want to spend on Stingers. Their recovery bars are also really tasty.

Chafing is real, and this stuff really works. Swipe this balm on before long runs, or even for long days of walking and exploring. You’ll thank me later.

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The best ways to travel around in the US

Sep 12, 2023 • 9 min read

Train, plane or automobile: our guide to transportation in the US can help you plan your journey © From Hurricane1984 / Getty Images

Hitting the open road is a quintessentially American pursuit, romanticized by the likes of Kerouac, Steinbeck and, well, Barbie.

And with thousands of miles of interstates and backroads linking cities across the continental USA , exploring by car is easy. But driving can also be time-consuming – the US is the world’s fourth largest country by area – and expensive, especially with fuel and car rental costs on the rise.

Fortunately, there are a number of transportation options in the US, including an extensive air travel network, that will suit a variety of travel preferences. Here's what you need to know to plan your travels across the US. 

For convenience and flexibility, travel by car

To reach rural areas – and most national parks – a car is essential. Fuel prices average $4/gallon, and the rate for a car rental ranges from around $45 to $80 daily, or $245 to $500 weekly, depending on the size of the car. Prices typically include unlimited mileage. If you reserve a few weeks ahead and prepay, you can often score a better price. Most major airports have car rental agencies on site, though prices will likely be higher than those at off-site companies. To rent a car, you will need insurance, which is legally required. Larger cities may have rentals available through a car-sharing network like Turo . 

Foreign visitors can legally drive a car in the US for up to 12 months using their home drivers license. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) will have more credibility with US traffic police, especially if your home license doesn’t have a photo or isn’t in English. For a small fee, your automobile association at home can issue an IDP, valid for one year.

Major car rental companies offer fleets of hybrid or electric rental cars, though you’ll usually have to pay more. Travel by electric vehicles is increasingly popular, and charging stations are popping up nationwide to meet demand. It can still be a challenge to find a charge, however, particularly on longer road trips. Fortunately, with a bit of planning, several iconic American drives can be enjoyed in an EV with minimal stress.

Camper vans, including decked-out Mercedes Sprinters, are an increasingly popular rental option, especially in the West. These vehicles come equipped with beds – some are surprisingly comfy – and may include mini-fridges and other amenities. Mileage may be capped daily, however, and expect daily prices from $120 to $300 depending on make.

Relax and soak up the scenery on a train

Amtrak trains run regularly, and fairly reliably, along the eastern seaboard between Washington, DC and Boston , and they are a popular option for quick trips between the larger urban centers here. But in the rest of the country? Trains are rarely the quickest, cheapest or most reliable option. They can be a pleasant and relaxing way to see the country, however, and the scenery on western routes is often breathtaking, especially from double-decker Superliner trains with big-windowed sightseer lounges.

Amtrak has long-distance routes crossing the nation from east to west and from north to south. These routes connect with all of the USA’s biggest cities and many smaller ones. Amtrak’s Thruway buses provide connections to and from the rail network and smaller cities, as well as some national parks. Some long-distance trains run daily, while others run only three to five times per week. Consider purchasing Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass for countrywide trips.

Regional commuter trains provide faster, more frequent service on shorter routes, especially in the northeast corridor. Amtrak’s high-speed Acela Express trains are the most expensive, and rail passes are not valid on these trains. Other commuter rail lines include those serving the Lake Michigan shoreline near Chicago , Illinois, major cities on the West Coast and Charlotte , North Carolina and the Miami , Florida area in the South. 

A scenic train, often fueled by a historic steam locomotive, can be a relaxing way to see spectacular scenery without a harrowing drive, especially in the mountains.

Take the bus to save money and easily link to big cities 

Traveling by bus can be an economical way to get from city to city. Most middle-class Americans prefer to fly or drive, but buses will let you see the countryside. For the most part, buses are reliable, clean-ish and comfortable, and amenities typically include air-conditioning and a bathroom. Smoking onboard is not allowed.

Greyhound is the major long-distance bus company, with routes throughout the US and Canada. Routes typically follow major highways and stop in larger population centers. To reach smaller towns, you may need to transfer to a local or county bus system. 

About 70 independent bus companies comprise the Trailways Transportation System . These companies operate on an interlining basis, with the Trailways website searching routes and managing ticketing. Note, however, that the Trailways website is not particularly helpful with route planning. Other long-distance bus lines with decent fares and free wi-fi (though it isn’t always the most reliable) include Megabus and FlixBus . The swanky new Jet Bus links Washington, DC and New York City (NYC) while the long-running Hampton Jitney connects NYC with the Hamptons and the North Fork.

Despite the elimination of many tiny destinations, non-express Greyhound buses still stop every 50 to 100 miles to pick up passengers, and long-distance buses still stop for meal breaks and driver changes. Many bus stations are clear and safe, but some are in sketchy areas. If you arrive at night, you may want to take a taxi or arrange a ride-share to your destination. Some towns have just a flag stop, not always in a walkable area.

Get there quickly on a plane

If you're short on time and traveling between two regions, consider booking a flight. Flying is typically more expensive than traveling by bus, car or train, but the US has an extensive domestic air system. With numerous competing airlines, hundreds of airports and thousands of daily flights, you can cross the country pretty quickly. Main “hub” airports in the US include international gateways and many larger cities. Most smaller cities have a local or county airport, but you usually have to travel via a hub to reach them. To save money, consider new low-cost carriers like Avelo and Breeze , which are hoping to lure passengers with extremely low fares. Note that they typically serve smaller, less convenient airports.

Immerse yourself in regional scenery on a bike tour

Bicycle touring can be an invigorating way to soak up regional scenery. On a biking tour, you’ll pedal along winding backroads (because bicycles are not usually permitted on freeways) and calculate progress in miles per day, not miles per hour. Cyclists must follow the same rules of the road as cars, but don’t expect drivers to respect your right of way. For epic cross-country journeys, get the support of a tour operator; it’s about two months of dedicated pedaling coast to coast. 

Some cities are more amenable to cycling than others, but most have at least a few dedicated bike lanes and paths. Bikes can usually be carried on public transportation. Many cities are expanding their greenway networks, and bike-rental locations are often near key access points. E-bikes are increasingly popular for local touring, allowing riders to travel longer distances and even ascend steep mountains.

Hop on a ferry to explore unique islands off the coast

Coastal ferry services, typically run by the state, provide efficient, often photogenic links to major islands. Many larger ferries will transport private cars, motorcycles and bicycles. For spectacular views, it’s hard to beat the ferry running along the southeastern coast of Alaska and through the Inside Passage. Off the Pacific, ferries serve the scenic San Juan Islands in Washington and hiker friendly Catalina Island in California . In the Midwest, there are several islands in the Great Lakes that can be visited by boat, including Mackinac Island, Michigan, and the Apostle Islands off Wisconsin. On the East Coast, ferries whisk passengers to the upscale enclaves of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard off Massachusetts and the rugged, windswept shores of Ocracoke Island in North Carolina.

Travel in large cities is cheap, efficient and reliable 

Subways and light-rail trains can be a cheap, efficient and reliable option within large US cities, but their coverage can be sparse to suburbs and outlying towns. The largest subway systems are in New York City, Chicago, Boston, Washington, DC, the San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Atlanta. Other cities have small, one- or two-line rail systems that mainly serve downtown areas. Light-rail systems (trams and trolleys) are also popular. Denver, Seattle, San Diego, Minneapolis, Portland, Phoenix, Tucson and Charlotte are among the many places with light-rail systems, as are most cities with subways.

There's free transportation in many national parks

A few larger national parks, including Acadia , Grand Canyon , Yosemite and Zion , run free shuttles to their major sites. The problem? Getting to the park itself. To avoid renting a car, consider joining a guided tour from a gateway town, or hiring a private shuttle for drop-offs and pick-ups at park trailheads. Many national parks list approved shuttle companies on their websites.

Accessible transportation in the USA

If you have a disability, the USA can be an accommodating place for travelers thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This federal law requires all public buildings, private buildings built after 1993 (including hotels, restaurants, theaters and museums) and public transit to be wheelchair accessible. However, call ahead to confirm what is available.

Some car rental agencies offer hand-controlled vehicles, sometimes with lifts and ramps, at no extra charge, but reserve well in advance. Wheelchair Getaways rents accessible vans throughout the USA. In many cities, public buses are accessible to wheelchair riders and will “kneel” if you are unable to use the steps; notify the driver if you need the ramp or lift.

Most cities have taxi companies with at least one accessible van, though you will have to call ahead. Cities with underground transport have varying levels of facilities, including elevators – there is an elevator at every station in DC, while NYC has elevators in only about a quarter of its stations. 

For tips on travel and thoughtful insights about traveling with a disability, download Lonely Planet’s free Accessible Travel guide .

This article was first published May 28, 2021 and updated Sep 12, 2023.

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How to road trip without a car: Cheapest and best ways to travel long distance

Trying to figure out how to do a road trip without a car? Whether you don't have your driving license, are on a tight budget, or want to minimise your impact on the environment, there are many reasons why you might want to travel sans vehicle.

While the image that springs to mind when you think of a road trip is probably a car cruising down a beautiful mountain road, or a cool convertible zipping around a coastal path, road trips are not reserved exclusively for those that can drive, or those that are willing to drive when on holiday.

Technically speaking, a road trip refers to any kind of trip that uses roads to travel around. This leaves you with lots of different options to consider that don't require you to drive hundreds of miles behind the wheel.

Doing a car-less road trip also allows you to forgo some of the intricate planning it takes to organise a self-drive tour, which means you get to save time and effort!

The best way to do a road trip without a car is to use public transport links, check out all the easy ride-share options, and - if you're up for it - get some exercise by using a bicycle to get from A to B, helping to save the planet while you're at it.

Take the train and enjoy the views

Taking the train is probably the most common and popular alternative to driving (at least outside of the U.S.) and can be a great way to enjoy a multi-stop trip that doesn't require a car.

Most countries, particularly those in Europe, have really well-connected rail links that are relatively inexpensive, making it easy to plan a full road trip itinerary that relies completely on the railway.

One of the biggest pros of train travel is that it's often far more relaxing than driving - all you have to do is book a seat, turn up, and catch the right train; no route planning, no refuelling, no toll roads... the dream!

By eliminating the need to drive you're also upping the quality time you can spend with your travel companions to play some road trip games , as well as freeing up a precious few hours to get deep into your new book and make the most of the stunning views outside (true for any public transport).

The views are another huge plus point of opting to take the train - you'll often get to travel via super scenic routes that cars can't take, such as over a breathtaking bridge like the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland, or through snowy peaks on the unforgettable Glacier Express in Switzerland.

When you're travelling by car, only the passengers get to swivel around in their seats to watch the awesome views go by. But on a train, everyone is free to look around as much as they want.

Trains are also often much more economical than driving, not only in terms of fuel but also because you can comfortably travel non-stop overnight (with blankets and beds often available).

This means there's no need to book a hotel room, and you can effortlessly cover a long distance while getting some rest at the same time.

On top of all these great advantages, travelling by train is also much more sustainable than taking the car, allowing you to take in those breathtaking views while making minimal impact on the environment - a win-win.

Save money by riding on a bus

Travelling by bus or coach is another great use of public transport if you're looking for ways to road trip without a car, particularly if you're keen to stick to a budget.

Buses are often the cheapest way to travel in any country, with some unbelievably low fares available if you're organised and book in advance. This applies internationally too, so you could even take the bus from home rather than fly if it's doable, saving even more money.

Links between London and other cities in Europe are plentiful, with the possibility of getting to Paris, Amsterdam or Brussels direct from the centre of the city - way easier than getting to the airport!

One reason some people choose not to take the bus is because they believe they're a little shabby and uncomfortable, but this simply isn't true!

Many buses nowadays have added perks such as free WiFi, charging ports, air-conditioning, and sometimes screens for you to enjoy movies and music as you travel (speaking from experience, you'll also find this on some routes in Spain).

If you're nervous about the comfort level, you can always bring along a travel pillow to make your bus road trip that more luxurious.

Bus services also tend to be really generous with their luggage allowance, often letting each passenger bring a large suitcase plus a smaller bag regardless of weight.

And although these are the standard guidelines, more often than not bus operators are pretty relaxed and will let you bring more if there's space.

Unlike airlines, which often charge an arm and a leg for extra baggage, on a bus, everyone can bring their big bag on-board. Plus, by avoiding the car, you don't have to spend hours playing suitcase Tetris trying to squeeze all your bags into the boot.

Admittedly, once you're all loaded onto the bus, the ride does tend to take longer than it would've done in the car.

However we think this is a positive that travellers should embrace; you're likely to stop in small towns and see places you wouldn't have otherwise visited, and pass through really remote, beautiful places, meaning you'll get even more out of your road trip.

Save the planet by opting for a car ride-share

Finding someone to ride-share with is definitely the best option if you want that classic car road trip feeling minus the driving.

Generally speaking, this form of glorified hitchhiking is completely legit, safe, and comfortable if you know which tools to use.

Many companies and apps offering ride-share services let you view drivers' profiles and choose who you want to travel with based on their rating and previous passengers' experiences.

One of the best companies to use for this carpooling service is BlaBlaCar , which allows members to arrange carpool trips all over the world. All you have to do is say where you're leaving from, where you're heading, and when, then pick a ride that works for you - easy.

You're also fully insured when riding in a BlaBlaCar, so you don't have to worry about accidents on the road.

Not only is this form of travel really affordable (you just contribute towards fuel), it also has the added benefit of being better for the environment than a plain old road trip.

By sharing a ride, you're simply filling a seat in someone's car who'd be driving that route anyway, avoiding the need to put another car on the road unnecessarily - which is always a good thing.

This is probably a better mode of transport for solo travellers and couples rather than big groups (unless you find a driver with a massive car!) and is a fantastic way to meet some friendly locals, have a chat, and get insider tips on where you're going.

If you're travelling somewhere in the hopes of learning the language, it's also a great way to practice with a local!

Travelling in a local's car also eliminates any worries you might have about driving in a foreign country and being unfamiliar with all the rules and regulations.

You can be comfortable that your driver will get you safely to your destination, meaning no more failed attempts at deciphering foreign road signs, or sudden feelings of panic that you're driving on the wrong side of the road…

Cycle the most scenic road trip routes

The most active and adventurous way to road trip without a car is by cycling between your stop-offs - an amazing way to make the most of a place and really appreciate your surroundings.

Choosing a bike over a vehicle will allow you to go well off the beaten track where cars can't venture, including country paths, mountain tracks, and thick forests, giving you a completely different perspective than the one you'd get from being on the other side of a car window.

Of course, one of the major perks of a cycling trip is the health benefits for both you (you'll more than make up for all those indulgent holiday meals out), and the environment, seeing as bikes make next to no impact on your surroundings.

The good news is that e-bikes, which give you an electronic boost to make cycling a little easier, are also zero-emission. That means that even if you're not a very confident cyclist, you should give this form of road trip a go - you don't have to be super fit, we promise!

Mix and match with other transport alternatives

If the prospect of cycling your whole route sounds a little too daunting, the freedom of cycling means it's easy to mix and match the mode of transport you're opting for throughout the trip.

Why not break up the pedal-pushing with some sailing or kayaking to make the most of a country's waterways, or book a bike-friendly train to give your legs a rest?

Cycling tours are becoming ever more popular, which means you'll have access to loads of great information on the best routes to suit your ability, and great suggestions on how to make a cycling road trip a little more doable than it might sound.

Definitely give cycling a go. You'll have to travel much lighter and it's a little more tiring than driving, but it's so much more rewarding knowing you got yourself to your destination without relying on an engine, and will most certainly make for a super memorable trip.

No matter where you're going or how long it takes to get there, it's not as hard as it sounds to do a road trip without a car.

If you plan ahead, do your research and are prepared for a little physical exercise, you just might find that this type of road trip is even better than driving.

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Traveling in Hot and Humid Weather? Here’s What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Doctors, outdoor enthusiasts weigh in on how to prepare for extreme heat trips.

Cassandra Brooklyn,

You probably don’t need to look at official weather data to know that it definitely feels hotter than it used to. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2023 was the hottest year since global recordkeeping began in 1850, and climate scientists warn that extreme heat events will become more common.

Though anyone can fall victim to the effects, extreme heat is especially dangerous for people over 50. Heat does not dissipate as well in the bodies of people over 50, and if your body can’t cool itself, heat exhaustion (and potentially heatstroke) can set in. Additionally, people over 50 tend to have more chronic health problems and take more medications that can affect their ability to deal with heat.

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Extreme heat can pose an inconvenient and potentially dangerous threat to your vacation plans as temperatures rise in popular summer destinations. Marc Taub, M.D., emergency physician and medical director of emergency services at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, subscribes to the travel motto “Hope for the best, plan for the worst.” He explains that “with the summer travel season and hotter temperatures in this country, preparation and planning can help reduce the risk of injuries and illness.”

Here’s what else you need to know about traveling in the heat and humidity.

Preparation and packing

David Monteiro, a culture and hiking guide in Portugal and Cape Verde, Africa, with Wilderness Travel, notes the importance of preparing for your trip so you’re not caught by surprise. He offers the simple act of walking as an example. “If walking in the heat is going to be part of your trip, it is a good idea to prepare ahead of time by practicing being out in the heat before you travel, so your body and mind are used to the heat. Getting out a few times before your trip is better than nothing, although getting used to extreme/excessive conditions takes time.”

If you’re traveling in the heat, Monteiro suggests bringing lots of water, sunglasses, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, a wide brim hat and salty snacks. Why the salty snacks? “When sweating, one loses salt, and you need to compensate [for] that loss,” he says. Without sufficient water and salty snacks, you may notice symptoms of dehydration , which can include thirst, dizziness, headache, fatigue, dark urine, constipation, muscle cramps and dry skin or mouth.

Proper hydration goes well beyond carrying a reusable water bottle (which is both smart and eco-friendly), and it actually starts before your trip. Other important hydration tips include:

• Drinking water leading up to and during the trip, including on the flight.
• Consuming water-rich foods such as cucumbers, bell peppers, watermelon and apples.
• Drinking electrolytes, be they from coconut water, pickle juice, Gatorade or electrolyte tabs, liquids or powder mixes that can be added to water.
• Taking it easy during the first 24 hours of your trip.

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Road-tripping in the heat

Summer is a great time to road-trip , but you’ll want to take extra precautions, as a car breakdown on the side of a deserted desert road could be extremely dangerous. Taub suggests following auto safety tips offered by organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To prevent illness and injury on the road, he recommends:

• Roadside kit. Pack an emergency kit with first aid supplies, water, flashlight, batteries and nonperishable food.
• Communication. Ensure your cellphone is charged, as you may need it to call for roadside assistance.
• Vehicle maintenance. Take your car to a mechanic before long trips, and ensure the air conditioner works.
• Drive during cooler hours. Avoiding peak heat hours by driving in the early morning or late evening “can help prevent overheating and reduce the risk of heat-related issues.”
• Park in shaded areas and use shades for the windows.
• Don’t leave adults, children or pets in the car, even for a moment. “Temperatures can rise quickly in a parked car, putting passengers at high risk for severe heat exposure,” Taub says.

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Handling humidity

Heat waves can be hard on the heart , and humidity introduces additional concerns. According to Taub, humidity can intensify the effects of heat because it hinders the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating. He suggests paying attention to the heat index, “which combines temperature and humidity to give a more accurate measure of how hot it feels,” limiting strenuous activity and implementing cooldown techniques.

Hiking in the heat

Though it’s best to limit strenuous activity in extreme heat — early morning or evening may be ideal — that doesn’t mean that active adventures such as hiking and climbing are out of the question.

Dave Kohnke, a hiking guide with the Southern Arizona Hiking Club, knows a thing or two about hiking in the heat, as the normal high temperatures for Tucson during the summer months are 101.2 degrees in June, 100.2 degrees in July and 98.6 degrees in August (the record is 117 degrees).

Kohnke has seen hikers experience symptoms of heat exhaustion on some hikes he’s led. He notes that with rapid treatment — including moving the hikers to a cooler area where they can rest and rehydrate with electrolytes — they recovered to finish the hikes.

Zach Lentsch, the founder and program coordinator at Wyoming Mountain Guides, echoes the importance of fueling with electrolytes. “Interestingly, the most emergency situations we’ve encountered related to the heat while climbing have not been related to lack of fluid intake but rather to electrolyte imbalance,” he says.

Lentsch says that even with good planning, heat-related emergencies can occur and it’s important to make conservative judgment calls to avoid making a bad situation worse. He notes the value in going with a guide because they have experience in the area and know where and when to mitigate heat hazards.

“They’ll help you be safer during the activity, and they are a great resource in case something does go wrong,” he says.

Staying cool

David Cutler, M.D., a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, suggests ways to stay cool whether you’re sightseeing or at the beach.

• Stay hydrated. Carry a reusable water bottle, so you can continuously drink water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Seek shade. “Take breaks in shaded areas to avoid prolonged sun exposure. Bring an umbrella or canopy if spending extended time at the beach,” he says.
• Rest frequently. Rest in cool areas to prevent overheating. “Don’t overexert yourself with too much walking or physical activity.”
• Use cooling methods. Portable fans, misting sprays or cooling towels can help keep you cool.
• Eat light. “Opt for smaller, more frequent meals. Heavy meals can increase body temperature,” Cutler says.

If struggling with the heat doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, consider a coolcation — vacations to locations with cooler temperatures — in the U.S. or Europe . You wouldn’t be alone in considering a coolcation. Wilderness Travel has “seen an over 20 percent increase in bookings on European trips above the 50th parallel [of latitude] in 2024,” says Scott Abbott, the company’s director of product.

The purpose of a vacation is to have a good time, so if you don’t think that is possible in a hot destination, it may be best to postpone that trip to cooler months and opt to escape to a chillier destination this summer.

Cassandra Brooklyn is a contributing writer who covers travel, caregiving, human-interest stories and the outdoors. Her work has appeared in  T he New York Times ,  The Wall Street Journal ,  Time  and  National Geographic,  among other publications.

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Heatwave Secrets of Women Who Always Look Cool

How Much Do You Know About Staying Safe in the Summer Heat?

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